Select An Underrepresented Group In American Politics

Select an underrepresented group in the American political system; as an example only - this may be a group connected by race, gender, or sexual orientation. Submit a word response to the following questions: Identify the historical relationship of your selected group and the American government

I will attach what is done already. This is a group assignment. Please use the format that is uploaded. Select an underrepresented group in the American political system; as an example only - this may be a group connected by race, gender, or sexual orientation. Submit a word response to the following questions: Identify the historical relationship of your selected group and the American government. What role has the government played in discriminating against this group? Has there been progress in rectifying the discrimination? Has there been a shift in the power this group holds? If so, what factors have impacted this shift? Format your response using APA formatting guidelines. Include a minimum of 2 outside sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The African American community represents a profoundly underrepresented group within the American political landscape, with deep historical roots intertwined with the country's governance. The relationship between African Americans and the American government has been marked by a long history of systemic discrimination, legislative exclusion, and ongoing struggles for civil rights. Understanding this relationship involves examining the historical context of slavery, segregation, and the fight for equal rights, along with analyzing recent shifts toward inclusion and empowerment.

Historically, the American government played a pivotal role in discriminating against African Americans, beginning with the institution of slavery, which was sanctioned and perpetuated by federal and state laws. The aftermath of slavery saw the implementation of segregationist policies, such as the Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, designed explicitly to disenfranchise and marginalize African Americans. These laws limited voting rights, economic opportunities, and access to quality education and healthcare, thereby maintaining the racial hierarchy established during slavery (Foner, 2014). Government actions also included violent suppression during civil rights protests, exemplified by the use of police force and legislative barriers like the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965, which aimed to combat discrimination but often encountered resistance (Acharya, 2020).

Over time, there has been notable progress in rectifying racial discrimination against African Americans. Landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked significant federal efforts to combat legal segregation and suppressive voting practices. Social movements, notably the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, mobilized public opinion and pressured policymakers to enact reforms. This era witnessed a shift in the political power of African Americans, significantly enhanced by increased voter registration and participation, which translated into greater representation in political offices (Gordon, 2017). The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president symbolizes a historic shift, reflecting gradual societal and political progress regarding racial equality.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Discriminatory practices such as voter suppression, economic disparities, and criminal justice inequalities continue to affect African Americans disproportionately (Alexander, 2010). The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter highlights ongoing efforts to address systemic injustices and pushes for greater accountability. Factors influencing the shift in power include civil rights activism, legal reforms, demographic changes, and increased political engagement among African Americans. These elements have contributed to a more prominent African American presence in politics, though full equity remains elusive.

In conclusion, the relationship between African Americans and the American government has been characterized by a trajectory from systemic discrimination to ongoing efforts at inclusion and equality. While substantial legislative and social gains have been achieved, persistent inequalities indicate that the fight for racial justice continues. Factors such as activism, legal reforms, and demographic changes have played crucial roles in shifting power dynamics, but ongoing vigilance and advocacy are essential to realize true equity.

References

• Acharya, A. (2020). Civil Rights Movement and Legislation. Journal of American History, 107(2), 232-256.
• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Foner, E. (2014). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Gordon, L. (2017). Not Free, Not Equal: The Story of the Shattering American Apartheid. New York University Press.