The Political Representation of Latinos in the U.S. House of Representatives

The Political Representation of Latinos in the U.S. House of Representatives
Author: Giovanny Daniel Pleites-Hernandez
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019
Genre: Communication in politics
ISBN:

The Latino population has experienced significant growth in the last few decades, and as a result of that growth, the Latino population is now the largest minority group in the U.S. Despite this, our understanding of the attitudes, behavior, and representation of this group still lags relative to others in American society. As a result of that growth, the Latino population is now the largest minority group in the U.S. Amongst other things, which is why there is a need to explore how this group is represented in government. Prior work - be it due to data limitations, the low number of Latinos in office, or theoretical considerations - has been unable to provide an adequate picture of the level of representation afforded to Latinos. This study is an attempt to add to our understanding of Latino representation in the U.S. I do this through the presentation of three distinct but interrelated papers. The first paper looks at the level of congruence between Latinos and their legislators relative to non-Latino whites and their legislators. This paper finds that Latinos are at a disadvantage, one that is exacerbated in contexts where they make up larger segments of the population. In addition, I find that this disadvantage is rooted in both the attitudes and behavior of both Anglos and Latinos. The second paper explores legislative communication on Twitter with respect to the interests of the Latino population. I find that Latino and Democratic legislators are more likely to post about issues important to Latinos. I also find that there is a difference in the behavior of Latino and non-Latino legislators attributable to legislator ethnicity, with Latino legislators more likely to post symbolic messages than their non-Latino colleagues. The third paper explores the role of legislator ethnicity in policy framing on bilingual education. I find that shared ethnicity, or rather the lack thereof, between legislators and respondents does influence support for bilingual education in certain situations. Collectively, these papers provide a clearer picture of the relationship between legislators and their constituents and of the role that legislator characteristics and district demographics play in influencing legislative behavior.

Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress

Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress
Author: Jason P. Casellas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2010-12-20
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 113949421X

This book argues that Latino representation in US legislative institutions is shaped not only by demographics but by legislative institutional design, as well as elite-driven methods, features of the electoral system, and the increasing mainstreaming of Latinos in American society. The election of Latino legislators in the United States is thus complex and varied. This book provides evidence on how successful Latinos have been in winning state legislative and congressional districts in which they have no natural advantage. In particular, this book demonstrates that Latino candidates benefit from higher percentages of Latino citizens in the state, more liberal citizenries and citizen legislatures. Jason Casellas argues that the legislatures most conducive to the election of Latino candidates are Florida, New Mexico and California, whereas the least conducive are the US House and New York.

From Inclusion to Influence

From Inclusion to Influence
Author: Walter Clark Wilson
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Total Pages: 295
Release: 2017-03-03
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0472122584

In From Inclusion to Influence, Walter Wilson addresses urgent questions regarding the political incorporation of Latinos in America. First, he demonstrates that Latino representatives in the U.S. Congress do, in fact, represent Latino interests more effectively than do other representatives, both by serving as conduits connecting fellow Latinos to the government and by introducing their concerns into the legislative process. Then, moving beyond the debate about descriptive and substantive representation, Wilson identifies the ways in which the efforts of Latinos in Congress enable the meaningful inclusion of Latinos in politics, foster the ability of Latinos to shape public policy, and ultimately promote democracy in an increasingly diverse nation.

Hispanics and the U.S. Political System

Hispanics and the U.S. Political System
Author: Chris Garcia
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2015-12-22
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1317347870

As the Hispanic population in the U.S. grows, so too does its influence. The general election in 2000 marked an era of increased influence and awareness by Hispanics in politics both as voters and politicians. While it is clear that Latinos are influencing and changing politics, the impact on politics in the U.S. is still not clear. Authored by leading scholar, F. Chris Garcia and Gabriel Sanchez, Hispanics and the U.S. Political System : Moving into the Mainstream focuses on the historical, contemporary and future role of Hispanics in the United States.

Latinas in American Politics

Latinas in American Politics
Author: Sharon A. Navarro
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 279
Release: 2016-05-12
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1498533361

The challenges that women face as political candidates can be compounded by race. In the case of Latinas, stereotypes as well as national media coverage and labeling of “Latino” issues potentially creates an electoral burden for Latina candidates at the local, state, and national level. The intersection of race and gender is complicated and often creates more questions than it answers. How are Latinas elected? Are they served by this complex identity or hindered by it? Latinas in American Politics: Embracing and Changing Political Tradition begins addressing the issues by examining the stereotypes Latinas face while running for political office. More specifically, the perception of voters on ideological standings of Latinas provides insight as to what party Latinas are identified with and how they can use this to their advantage. In addition to establishing the role stereotypes play in the electability of Latinas, the way they use and diffuse these stereotypes via campaigns is examined. The images that Latinas present and how they interact with voters via social media establishes a new dynamic in campaigning and allows for theory building in the area of race, gender, and campaigns. Aside from campaigning, party identification for a Latina creates a different barrier. How do Latinas bridge this? Case studies of prominent Latina officials are examined to understand within which contexts and under what conditions Latinas as candidates and as elected officials will experience intersectionality as advantage and disadvantage. Finally, the examination of Latina congressional members shows whether and how the intersection of gender and ethnicity in descriptive representation contributes uniquely to patterns of substantive representation. Ultimately, this volume demonstrates how the intersection of race and gender creates unique situations for representation and electability of candidates.

Latinos in the American Political System

Latinos in the American Political System
Author: Jessica L. Lavariega Monforti
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 625
Release: 2019-03-14
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Hispanic Americans engaged in U.S. politics, from increased visibility as governors and other lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to their growing importance as a voting constituency. This encyclopedia comprehensively surveys the evolution of Latina/o engagement in US politics as voters, candidates, lawmakers, and public officials. It is an authoritative resource for public library patrons, high school students, and undergraduates in a variety of curricular studies, including political science, civics, American history, and Latino studies. The set's A–Z entries were carefully selected and crafted to ensure thorough coverage of all of the individuals, organizations, cultural forces, political issues, and legal decisions that have combined to elevate the role of Latinos at the polls, on the campaign trail, in Washington, and in mayors' offices, city councils, school boards, and statehouses all across the country. In-depth essays on the rising prominence of Latino Americans as voters, candidates, public officials, lawmakers, and opinion leaders will provide further context for understanding their impact on modern U.S. political processes and institutions from the perspective of liberals and conservatives alike.

Pursuing Power

Pursuing Power
Author: F. Chris Garcia
Publisher:
Total Pages: 504
Release: 1997
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

While Latinos in the US are becoming a large, significant and growing political constituency, the US has has become increasingly and rapidly Latinized in many cultural aspects. This work takes an in-depth look at the political aspects of this cultural and political browning of America.

Hispanics in Congress

Hispanics in Congress
Author: Maurilio E. Vigil
Publisher:
Total Pages: 148
Release: 1996
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

This book chronicles the history of Hispanics in the United States Congress. Beginning with an historical overview of Congress, the author provides biographical sketches of the Hispanic members of Congress, the circumstances that made them Congressmen and their roles, activities and accomplishments in that body. The sketches are integrated into the historical context of the Congress in which they served. Special attention is given to the three Hispanics who served in the United States Senate. The book provides a comprehensive narrative on the creation, composition, role and impact of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). Compliance with provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1970, amendments and the federal court decisions that contributed to redistricting that was favorable for Hispanics is also discussed. While the history and role of Hispanics is but a footnote in the history of the U.S. Congress, it has been a major chapter in the history of the Hispanic people in the United States.

Hispanics in American Politics

Hispanics in American Politics
Author: Maurilio E. Vigil
Publisher: University Press of America
Total Pages: 162
Release: 1987
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780819161192

Evaluates and analyzes the past and evolving role of Hispanics in American politics. After providing brief sketches of each Hispanic sub-group (Mexican-Americans, Cubans, and Puerto Ricans) and its historical and political development in American politics, the effort is to examine the realities and possibilities of conceptualizing Hispanics as a single viable political group.