Government How representative is Congress Most legislators a

(Government) How representative is Congress? Most legislators are white, upper-middle-class males, although this group is a very small part of our entire population. What impact does this skewed representation have in terms of liberty, equality, and democracy? Can these people really represent women, minorities, and poor citizens? Realistically, could an indigent person ever get elected to Congress? (80-100 words)

Solution

Congress has always been accused of not being representative at all, where, most of the legislators are white, upper-middle class males which is typically a very small proportion of the U.S. population. United States is an exceptionally diverse nation where people from all walks of life and from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds come in the hope of a better life. Given this skewed representation and in the absence of the people who really represent the indigent population of the country, it is very difficult to have the desired impact on the liberty, equality and democracy of the nation. Anyone who isn’t white and upper class cannot get elected easily in congress to become the voice of the population they belong to.

However, looking at the brighter side, the scenario is changing for the good. Over the years, Congress is continuing to increase in diversity and the 115th congress is considered to be most diverse so far where close to 20% individuals are non-white. If this trend continues in the coming years, we will surely witness an ever increasing diverse and effective congress that represents and values the voice, opinion and needs of all the communities of the United States.