Over the past decade Latinos in this country have become a large, significant, and growing political constituency. The 28 essays in this anthology explore the significance of this growth in both local and national politics, assessing the degree to which its potential power is being actualized and discussing its impact on policy formation. Attention is given for the first time to the political status of all three major Latino groups in the United States—Mexican-American, Cuban, and Puerto Rican.


F. Chris Garcia has selected the most timely essays available and provides an introduction to the volume, as well as introductions to each group of articles. The first essays examine the environmental setting, especially the history and demography, in which Latino politics operates. Political input activities employed in the 1980s is then explored, focusing on electoral means including the expression of needs through interest-group organizations. How the system responds is seen next through Latino representation in the legislatures and bureaucracies of government. Also treated is the formulation and promulgation of public policy in education, employment, and public services. The concluding essay stress styles and strategies for future Latino political involvement.


Together the selections from Latinos and the Political System comprise a comprehensive and penetrating picture of the Latino political situation and its place within the United States political system. The volume will be of interest to students and scholars in Latino studies courses and ethnic studies courses, as well as all those interested in ethnic/race relations and American politics.