Gaining Voice

This book examines the causes and consequences of black representation in state legislatures. African Americans have a troubled history when it comes to wielding political power. This reality makes it important to consider the factors that increase their presence in state government. This book shows that there is more to explaining black representation than the presence of black people; instead institutional traits also affect the racial composition of legislatures. Surprisingly, Clark finds that black political involvement and political attitudes hinge on the proportion of African Americans making up a state legislature, as well as the degree to which that proportion reflects the demographic makeup of the state.