Bilingual Hispanic/Latino Legislatures and Political Impact
Start Date
April 2026
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
The Hispanic/Latino community is a rapidly growing demographic, and they face unique political challenges that impact their participation and engagement in their government and affect their perceptions of the community that they live in, whether it be their own or others’ perceptions of them. Scholars in the articles I have acquired and analysed for this research project have debated over specific political models, such as the pluralist political model, which can help to explain Latino politics despite these challenges. While Latinos in the legislature have increased in terms of political standing, there are still barriers they face in terms of how much political power they have and how they can exercise it (de la Garza, 2004). This literature review examines the unique challenges that the Hispanic/Latinx community faces when it comes to representation and political engagement, and how it impacts political outcomes. In addition, this literature review will illustrate specific examples of direct political outcomes on the Hispanic/Latino community, such as COVID-19 and immigration, and the effects and climate that surrounds this community.
Bilingual Hispanic/Latino Legislatures and Political Impact
3rd floor - Library
The Hispanic/Latino community is a rapidly growing demographic, and they face unique political challenges that impact their participation and engagement in their government and affect their perceptions of the community that they live in, whether it be their own or others’ perceptions of them. Scholars in the articles I have acquired and analysed for this research project have debated over specific political models, such as the pluralist political model, which can help to explain Latino politics despite these challenges. While Latinos in the legislature have increased in terms of political standing, there are still barriers they face in terms of how much political power they have and how they can exercise it (de la Garza, 2004). This literature review examines the unique challenges that the Hispanic/Latinx community faces when it comes to representation and political engagement, and how it impacts political outcomes. In addition, this literature review will illustrate specific examples of direct political outcomes on the Hispanic/Latino community, such as COVID-19 and immigration, and the effects and climate that surrounds this community.
