Latinos in the Legislative Process
Subtitle: Interests and Influence
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Number of pages: 196
ISBN-13: 9781107032705
Subjects: Hispanic americans, politics and government; Legislation; Ethnic groups
Description: In one of the only accounts of Latino legislative behavior, Stella M. Rouse examines how well the growing Latino population translates their increased presence into legislative influence. Latinos in the Legislative Process explores Latino representation by considering the role of ethnicity throughout the legislative process - from bill sponsorship, to committee deliberations, to floor votes - in seven state legislatures. Rouse first identifies issues that are priorities for Latinos and tells us whether a Latino political agenda exists. She then provides a theoretical framework for ethnicity in legislative behavior and outcomes. Rouse demonstrates that ethnicity is a complex dynamic that plays a variable role in the legislative process. Thus, Latino representation cannot be viewed monolithically.