Why do you think so few women and minority citizens are elected ...

[mynx]

Why do you think so few women and minority citizens are elected to Congress?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are some of the unwritten rules of behavior in Congress? Provide at least one example in your response.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[makaylafy]

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1, Note that in spite of a record number of women being elected in the 114th Congress, parity between the genders is still a long way off; statistics on African American and Hispanic congressional members are improving slightly, but are still not representative of the population.
2, Suggest that fewer women and minorities have sought office, and some Americans still find it difficult to vote for minority and female candidates.
3, Explain that another reason might be the nature of the electoral system and our reliance on single-member districts.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that informal rules do more to structure the day-to-day legislative process than any other organizing mechanism.
2, Note that unwritten rules include the recognition of seniority; civility; specialization; and reciprocity, which includes logrolling and earmarks.
3, Provide a related example of one of these rules of behavior.

[mynx]

Gracias!

[Mochi]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it