Blacks and the American Political System

These essays offer a current and comprehensive analysis of black politics and its impact at the national level on the American political system. Whether analyzing the Supreme Court, interest groups, public policy, the Congressional Black Caucus, or political attitudes and behavior, these essays demonstrate that African Americans participate in national politics in a substantial way, and that they have done so in a manner consistent with pluralist theory. However, they have been less active in executive policy making, and this trend is also explored and analyzed.

Huey L. Perry is dean of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and professor of political science at Southern University, Baton Rouge.

Wayne Parent is associate professor of political science at Louisiana State University.