American Government and Organization

1
American Government and Organization

• PS1301
• Wednesday, 18 February

2
Announcements

• Take quizzes Ch. 12 and 18
• Dean drops out Kerry wins Wisconsin, Edwards a
  close second.
• Begin discussing Congress

3
Representation

• Descriptive vs. Policy (or Political)

4
Women in Congress
5
African American and Hispanics in Congress
6
Policy Representation
7
Incumbency Advantage

• Incumbents have a number of advantages
• Most are reelected
• Turnover is low
• Various explanations

8
Reelection Rates
9
Gerrymandering

• Gerrymander takes its name from Gov. Elbridge
  Gerry (1810-1812) of Mass whose party created an
  artful electoral map intended to maximize its
  seats. Contemporary observers latched onto one
  district in particular, in the shape of a
  salamander, and pronounced it a Gerry-mander.

10
Elbridge Gerrys Salamander