Latinos in the Legislative Process
Interests and Influence

This book explores Latino representation by taking a comprehensive look at the role of ethnicity throughout the legislative process in seven states.

Stella M. Rouse (Author)

9781316632550, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 October 2016

200 pages, 32 b/w illus. 28 tables
23 x 15.2 x 1 cm, 0.3 kg

“Drawing on a multitude of data, Rouse ties together public opinion with the policy priorities of legislators to delineate a set of Latino interest policies and a more general set of policies that are important to Latinos. Her careful analysis of policy making in multiple state legislatures across time illuminates the conditions in which ethnic identity has the greatest impact. Rouse also demonstrates when other factors that motivate legislative behavior, particularly party affiliation, reduce the relevance of ethnic identity for providing substantive representation of group interests. The book is an important contribution to the literature on representation and ethnic politics. Anyone who wants to understand the policy interests and legislative impact of the fastest growing demographic in the United States should read this book.” – Michele Swers, Georgetown University

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.

1. Introduction
2. In the 'interest' of Latinos: defining Latino issue priorities and establishing a Latino political agenda
3. Agenda setting: the conditional role of ethnicity
4. Latino interests and Latino representation in legislative committees
5. Vote choice and Latino representation
6. The influence of Latino representatives: the cases of Arizona's SB 1070 and California's AB 9
7. Conclusion: where Latinos stand in the representative process
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Political structure & processes [JPH], Ethnic minorities & multicultural studies [JFSL1]