Representation of Minorities in Governmental Institutions
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Representation of minorities in governmental institutions refers to ensuring that individuals from minority groups are adequately included and have a voice in decision-making processes at various levels of government.
Related terms
Affirmative Action: Affirmative action policies aim to increase representation and opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups by providing preferential treatment in areas such as education or employment.
Quotas are specific numerical targets set by governments to ensure proportional representation of certain groups in political offices or public institutions.
Descriptive Representation: Descriptive representation focuses on having elected officials who reflect the demographic characteristics (such as race, gender, ethnicity) of the population they represent.
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