Minorities and Political Progress Brief History

African Americans and the political process In the 1960s the Civil rights movement raised the political consciousness of Blacks Many felt if they secured equality in the political arena then equality of opportunity would follow in social and economic life The Voting Rights Act (1965) made it illegal to prevent people from voting by putting obstacles such as literacy tests or property requirements in their way This led to a dramatic increase in registration, candidates and turnout in racist states

African Americans and the political process The 1970s were marked by a period of disillusionment Political advancement had not help the underclass escape from poverty or gain social acceptance Martin Luther assassinated in 1968, voter registration and turnout fell

Reagan and the 1980s Policies introduced that affected many poor communities Blacks realised political process was the only way forward Jesse Jackson emerged onto the political scene

Jesse Jackson He toured the country exhorting young Blacks to reject drugs and to work hard at their education He spearheaded several registration drives which increased Black voters

Jesse Jackson In 1984 he entered the race to become president with his rainbow coalition Despite winning 77% of the Black vote he won only 5% of the white vote His voter registration drives actually increased black voters by 31% but also white voters to 300%, Reagan won all the Southern States

African Americans in the 1990s Did not achieve parity with representation However formed a solid bloc unlike other ethnic groups Vote overwhelmingly for the Democrats In 1995 Motor Voter Law ordered states to open voter registration sites e.g. drivers’ licence and public assistance offices to allow the public to register when picking up their welfare cheque

Motor-voter law This was hoped to increase registration among the ethnic minorities and benefit the Democrats However 9 of the 20 million were new voters or re- registering the rest updated their details

Motor-voter law The Republicans actually gained the most as it seemed to be middle-upper class car owners who registered Democrats generally have seen registration drop in the South

Hispanics and Political Process Traditionally do not become involved in political process Why? language and cultural barriers Until 1980s forms only in English Politicians previously did not target group as turn out low

Hispanics and Political Process Many Mexican Americans are not legal others e.g. Puerto Ricans are there to improve their living standards for their families back home therefore not interested in voting No national role models, no Civil Rights Campaign Hispanics integrate into American life, do not face same problems as Blacks therefore can be more mainstream However group is not a solid bloc e.g. Cubans take an active role, since 1990 increase in number of representatives

API’s and political process Growing but not a single force Chinese traditionally do not become involved in process, prevented previously and also look inward to their own community

API’s and political process Japanese and Koreans more integrated through business and education Traditionally conservative, tend to vote Republican High turnout but not concentrated in significant numbers to promote themselves in the political arena Representatives do not tend to depend on gaining support solely from own community instead they try to win votes from the electorate at large