117th Congress Gender Breakdown
Critical Analysis
How many female members are in the 117th Congress?
What story does this chart tells about the current state of gender in congress?
In the U.S there are (barely) more females than males. Explain two reasons there are more Congressional seats held by males than females.
What are two specific consequences of male over representation in Congress?
What do you imagine this chart would have looked like in 1920, and in 1970*?
For years there were equal numbers of female members of Congress from the Democratic and the Republican party. Is that true today?*
How do you explain this party gender divergence?*
How does the race compare to gender when it comes to equitable demographic representation in Congress?
Why do you think that is?
If Congress were minority-female today, describe three policy changes that would result from this demographic makeup.
Learning Extension
These great graphics by The Hill have the breakdown of the 117th Congress by race, gender, age, etc. And you can get the Center for American Women and Politic’s full breakdown of females serving in the current 116th Congress.
Action Extension
Examine the gender breakdown of your state and your state’s congressional delegation. Share the results in class or online.