Study Links Race and Gender to Political Power

According to a study presented this week, race and gender are key factors in determining the distribution of power in government. The study, conducted by researchers including UCSB political science professor Pei-te Lien, attempted to better understand elected leadership. The team created a database of more than 10,000 elected officials of color at federal, state, and local levels, and also analyzed the effectiveness of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.