Race, Party, and Representation: Health Care Attitudes in a Modern Southern State

Abstract

The quality of representation is assessed on the important issue of health care and in an historically traditionalistic southern state. Comparing surveys of Mississippi residents and state legislators, we find that representation has been promoted by the enfranchisement of African Americans and the rise of competitive political parties. Policy opinions on this single domestic issue are multidimensional, as proactive, provider, and services dimensions exist. Lawmakers serve as trustees on the proactive and provider dimensions, being more supportive of these programs than the public with Democrats particularly enthusiastic with proactive programs and Republicans particularly favoring the provider dimension. The parties diverge on services, where Democrats are more supportive and Republicans less supportive than average citizens.