United States Electoral Systems: Their Impact on Women and Minorities

This study examines how different electoral systems impact on the election of women and minorities to public office in the United States. The contributors draw upon local, state and national election data, demographic factors and voting patterns in making their analyses. The book is unusual in combining an overall analysis of electoral systems and case material with proposals for making government more representative, inclusive and responsive. Criteria are provided for evaluating the equity of electoral systems. The election of women and minorities to Congress is reviewed and options for increasing this direct representation of minorities and women are considered. Case studies describe legislative elections in several states.