6. Minorities and the Political Process Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): 1. Detail the extent of minority ethnic participation in US politics. 2. Detail the extent of minority ethnic representation in US Government. With the election of President Obama it could be argued that a person’s ethnic background is no longer important in politics. However, despite winning the election, Obama’s opponent McCain polled marginally more of the total White vote than he did. Further, in many of the States of the South and Mid West, Obama attracted little support outside minority groups. Race is still, therefore, an important political issue.

Historically, fewer Blacks and other minorities have turned out to vote than Whites (see graph below). In recent years, however, the number of Blacks and Hispanics registering and voting has increased. In 2008, around 64% of Whites voted but for the first time a greater number of Blacks voted (74%). In addition, 44% of Hispanics and 29% of Asians also cast their vote. Why?Hispanics registering and voting Obama – For the first time in history a non-White candidate was nominated by one of the two major parties. 95% of Blacks voted for Obama along with 66% of Hispanics. Obama was also seen by enough Whites as someone who would unite the country and bring economic prosperity to all. Minorities and the Political Process

Minority Representation in the US Cabinet Minorities and the Political Process Apart from Obama, there are a number of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the US Cabinet including: Ken Salazar (Hisp.) – Sec. of the Interior (above) Eric Holder (Black) – Attorney General Hilda Solis (API) – Secretary of Labor Gary Locke (API) – Secretary of Commerce Steve Chu (API) – Secretary for Energy Eric Shinseki (API) – Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs

Overview of the 111th Congress The 111th US Congress is the current meeting of the legislative of the US Federal Government. It is scheduled to meet in Washington D.C. from Jan to Jan Although minority representation has improved in Congress, Blacks. Hispanics and Asians remain under- represented in the US Congress. Minority Representation in 111 th Congress Black Senators 1 from 100 – Roland Burris. Black Congressmen/women 42 from 435. Hispanic Senators 3; Congressmen 25. API Senators 2; Congressmen 5. Native American Senators 1 – Tom Cole. Minorities and the Political Process

Minorities and the Political Process – The Supreme Court and Elsewhere There are nine Supreme Court judges. Currently, only one is from a minority group – Judge Clarence Thomas. However, the first Hispanic Supreme Court judge will be Sonia Sotomayor if her nomination is accepted by the US Senate. There have only ever been four Black State Governors including NY State’s David Paterson. At the time of writing, there are no Hispanic Governors although there is one Indian-American Louisiana Governor ‘Bobby’ Jindal. There are many people from ethnic minority groups who are city mayors including Douglas Palmer Trenton N. J.’s first Black mayor. Overall, however, minorities remain under-represented in US politics.

Questions 1.Slide 2. What evidence is there that minority participation has increased in US elections? 2.Slide 3. “Minority groups are under-represented in Obama’s Cabinet.” Ryan Cruickshanks. What information is there to oppose Ryan Cruickshanks. 3.Slides 4 and 5. Given that Blacks make up 12%, Hispanics 13% and Asian 5% of the US population, what evidence is there that Blacks, Hispanics and Asians are under- represented in the US political process. In your answer refer to the 111 th Congress and the US Supreme Court. Reading: Pulse: ‘International Issues’ pages or Leckie and Leckie: ‘Course Notes’ pages Minorities and the Political Process