Representation

• How well the interest of interest groups are reflected in government. • Constitutional Amendments expanded representation

-After the Civil War

• Bring former slaves in the political sphere. - Increase representation of African American community

• Equal protection clause • No state can deny any of its people equal protection under the law • Expand citizenship to former slaves

-Voting right to extended to former slaves

• 1900-1920 • Democratic and Liberal leaders push for directly represented people • A push for more political equality • Contributed to 17th and 19th amendement

• Emerged out of the Progressive Era, 1913 • Instead of having state legislators select senators had the populous vote • Resulted in a more represented Congress by the people.

• Extended voting rights to women - Contributed to a more equal and represented society

• Abolish poll tax, 1914 • Previous to 1914 poll taxed prevented poorer class families from voting in south, that were directed towards African Americans.

-Permitted 18year olds to vote for executive office

• Ensured rights of citizenship by the 14th Amendment - Outlawed segregation

• Enforced right to vote under the 15th Amendment • Prevented Jim Crow Laws in the South of Literacy tests and prevented Grandfather clauses. • After this period becomes a more inclusive democracy

• Proportional Representation - “Winner Takes All”

• Votes are towards a political party - The percentage of votes is equal to the percentage represented in parliament.

-Majority of votes wins office and 2nd place means nothing -