?

In the United States, Congress is made up of 435 representatives from different regions of the country, meant to accurately represent their constituents. However, is Congress actually representative of the people in the country, or is one group overrepresented? This article will explore which groups are overrepresented in Congress.

Wealthy Americans

Wealthy Americans are one group that is disproportionately represented in Congress. In general, members of Congress earn significantly more than the average American; according to a 2017 analysis by the Pew Research Center, the median wealth of members of Congress is greater than 10 times the median wealth of the average American household. This means that while only a small fraction of the country is wealthy, those who are wealthy are likely to be well-represented in Congress.

Men

In addition to wealthy Americans, men are another group that is overrepresented in Congress. Women currently make up only 20% of Congress, despite making up roughly half of the population. This means that the representation of women is far below what would be expected in a truly representative legislature.

White Americans

White Americans, too, are overrepresented in Congress. Approximately 76% of all members of Congress are white, while only 61% of the population is white. This discrepancy is due in part to the fact that many congressional districts are gerrymandered to favor white candidates, meaning that white candidates are more likely to win those elections.

Conclusion

It is clear that not all groups in the United States are represented equally in Congress. Wealthy Americans, men, and white Americans are all significantly overrepresented, while other groups such as women, people of color, and those who live in poverty are underrepresented. Without true representation in Congress, it is difficult for all Americans to have their voices heard and their needs met.