For my Civic Issues blog thread I have decided to explore the lack of representation within politics. In a previous class where we focused on the political foundation of the American government, it came up continuously how many groups feel a lack of a voice within the government. 

Feeling helpless in the world of politics is nothing new, but in a day and age where many other areas are slowly trying to bring in more cultures and diversity to the table, it should only be right that the government changes too. More and more people, especially those who are young or in a minority, are turning their backs to the government and losing any trust that they had. 

If we take a look back to when the American government was initially being created, the idea of representative democracy is an idea that comes up quite a bit. The people elect the candidate they see fit through a processed election. James Madison, author of The Constitution, believed that these elected officials should “refine and enlarge” the views of their constituents so that “the public voice … will be more consonant with the public good.” 

It is made clear from the foundational years of the country that those who are elected are meant to be the so-called spokesperson for the general public and community that they are elected from. 

Though, when looking at the current representatives not only in the federal government, but also leaders of the state government, there is a clear lack of diversity. 

After many large waves of immigration, America is seen as a large “melting pot” of people from many different backgrounds and cultures. It is important to remember that to be a successful democracy, direct partisan participation is a vital component. Voices from minorities being heard in elections is difficult. In some states, such as Alabama, it is increasingly more difficult for people of color to vote due to very strict voter-identification laws. It is harder for those less fortunate to make an impact on the government. 

If these elected leaders, who are meant to be speaking on behalf of thousands of Americans, do not truly show all the voices in America, then the policy that is being created/enforced does not align with the true wants and desires of the public. The public is supposed to trust those who are elected, but that is simply not the case anymore.

 People need to see someone who looks like them, is the same age as them, and comes from the same place as them, in order to have faith in the government. For those who do not see that familiarity, they are less likely to even want to participate in elections, or politics in general. 

Diversity does not only just include the race and ethnicities of the representatives, but also factors such as age and race. Throughout my Civic Issues blog thread I would like to deeper look at the flaws with representation within the U.S. government, and possibly suggest ways to be more inclusive.