Lesson Starter

What will I learn? To evaluate the extent of ethnic minority participation in the USA To evaluate the extent of minority representation in the USA 2

Success Criteria Evaluate the extent of minority participation Evaluate the extent of minority representation

Minorities and the Political Process 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. Also, in many of the States of the South and Mid West, Obama attracted little support outside minority groups. Race is still, therefore, important in US elections.

Minorities and the Political Process 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? 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 stability.

Minorities and the Political Process Minority Representation in the US Cabinet 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

Minorities and the Political Process Overview of the 113th Congress The 113th US Congress is the current meeting of the legislative of the US Federal Government. It is the most diverse Congress in US history. However, although minority representation has improved in Congress, Blacks. Hispanics and Asians remain under-represented in the US Congress. Most lawmakers are white men. Minority Representation in 113th Congress Black Senators - 1 out of 100 – Tim Scott, below (first Black Senator since 1979), Black Congressmen/women - 42 out of 435. Hispanic Senators 3; Congressmen 29. API Senators 1; Congressmen 10. Native American Congressmen - 2

Minorities and the Political Process – The Supreme Court and Elsewhere There are nine Supreme Court judges. Until recently, only one was from a minority group – Judge Clarence Thomas. However, the first Hispanic Supreme Court judge was recently appointed - Sonia Sotomayor. 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 New Jersey’s first Black mayor. Overall, however, minorities remain under-represented in US politics.

Influence in Key States/ Regionality Mexico border states – Hispanic influence Growing population of Hispanics…but illegals so… Blacks in Southern states Black Caucus and Hispanic caucus

2008 and 2012 Presidential Elections Huge influence of ethnic vote Whites voted Republican Democrats won…so can we assume that ethnic minorities are gaining significant political influence? 2016 Presidential Election The “White Wave” gained momentum – but did it fully take control? Vast majority of Blacks voted Clinton. Can the Electoral College system be “blamed” or are White Republicans really still in control?

2016 Presidential Election

Video Clips… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEelLKhMteY – 2012 presidential election – end of the “White Establishment”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx2WPe4Fjug – analysis of 2012 election by ethnicity

Minorities and the Political Process Questions What evidence is there that minority participation has increased in US elections? “Minority groups are under-represented in Obama’s Cabinet.” Ryan Cruickshanks. What information is there to oppose Ryan Cruickshanks. 3. 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 113th /114th Congress and the US Supreme Court. 4.

Nat 5 Exam Questions Describe, in detail, two ways in which minority groups are prohibited from participating politically in a world power you have studied. 6 Explain, in detail, three reasons why some groups of people in the world power you have studied are more likely to participate in politics than others. 8 Explain, in detail, two reasons why some groups of people are poorly represented in the government of the world power you have studied. 6

Higher Essays To what extent are some citizens in a world power you have studied disadvantaged politically? Minority groups have little influence on the political system. Discuss with reference to a world power you have studied.

Answering Schemes Answers may refer to: Minorities make up 30%+ of US population and climbing; for presidential election, minority voters often concentrated in key ‘swing states’ giving disproportionate influence in those states eg California, Texas, New York and Florida. Blacks 12% US population; Hispanics 14+%; Asians 5%. Growing importance of Hispanic vote in closely divided states of Colorado, New Mexico, California, Arizona & Nevada in relation to presidential electoral college votes.

Marking Instructions Minority groups are less likely to register or to vote in elections but gap is closing. Hispanics made up 10% total vote 2012. Impact in ‘swing states’ of Colorado and Nevada. As many as 14m minorities are illegal and are not allowed to vote. Influence of Black Caucus and Hispanic Caucus. Most Blacks and Hispanics vote Democratic 2012 – 93% Blacks voted for Obama, 71% Hispanics. 60% Whites overall voted for Romney. White and Asian voters more mixed; Whites marginally favoured Republicans in 2008 and 2012. Greater representation of minority groups within Democrat Party at all levels.

Marking Instructions Other factors affecting voting in the US include: Wealthier people of whatever ethnic minority more likely to favour Republicans; poorest more likely to vote Democrat (if they do vote) issue voting inc. the economy/ unemployment, Obama’s healthcare proposals, etc. image of candidate Obama and McCain (age, experience); Obama and Romney (experience, background) regionality North East/West traditionally more democratic and liberal; South and Mid-West Republican and socially conservative gender traditionally Democrats more interventionist; Republicans much less so.

I can… Evaluate the extent of minority participation Evaluate the extent of minority representation