Changes in Central-City Representation and Influence in Congress Since the 1960s

Abstract

The authors examine changes in representation by place (central city, suburbs, nonmetropolitan areas) in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1963 and 1994, focusing on change in the representation and influence of central cities. Using a newly constructed data set, this study presents changes in central-city representation in aggregate as well as by region and metropolitan-area population size. The authors then explore the implications of these changes for the influence of central cities in the House over this time period. After examining change in the control of positions of authority-committee and subcommittee chairs and leadership positions-by central-city representatives, changes in central-city influence with respect to votes on the House floor are assessed.

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