Discusses historical antecedents and the formation of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Reviews the records of participating congressmen and congresswomen, outlines CBC strategies for legislative change, and assesses the effects of the current political climate on the future of the organization. (GC)

The role of Black legislators in the development of African-American policy is assessed. Also considered are the influence which Blacks have exerted upon governmental actions within the United States, as well as the impact that Congress, in general, has had upon the development of foreign policy. (Author/GC)

Most research efforts concerning minority politics have focused on descriptive representation, which emphasizes (1) counting the minority or female persons in office, and (2) explaining representative levels on the basis of political, social and economic determinants. Descriptive representation, however, is passive and focuses on "being something"…