This detailed examination of the representation of women and minorities in the most responsible positions in the Federal Government shows that such representation in the Reagan administration is below the levels achieved in the Carter administration. It is shown that, although representation levels during the Carter years were in some cases low, these did carry forward a positive trend begun during previous administrations. A number of tables are presented to show that under Reagan, fewer women have been appointed to top fulltime positions at most departments and agencies, and that a sharp drop in the appointments of blacks has also occurred. Also illustrated is a lower representation of women and minority men among presidential appointments to the Federal judiciary, to U.S. attorney and U.S. marshal positions, to ambassadorships, and to top Foreign Service and other positions at the State Department. (CMG)