POLI 330N Week 3 Assignment Essay Representing a Democracy

Student Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

Prof. Name:

Date

Representing a Democracy

In a democratic system, elected officials are pivotal in representing the interests and needs of the populace. Their responsibilities include understanding societal demands, analyzing demographic trends, and shaping policies that address these issues. By channeling these considerations into legislative processes, representatives ensure that the voices of their constituents are reflected in national governance. In Bronx, New York, three prominent representatives serve this purpose: Senators Charles “Chuck” Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Each of these leaders has contributed significantly to New York’s political landscape, bringing unique educational, political, and demographic perspectives to the table. This essay explores the backgrounds, experiences, and policy initiatives of these representatives, shedding light on their contributions to democracy.

Backgrounds and Contributions of New York’s Representatives

Senator Charles “Chuck” Schumer

Charles “Chuck” Schumer has been an active participant in American politics for over four decades, making him one of the most experienced leaders in the Senate. Elected to the Senate in 1999, Schumer’s political journey began in the House of Representatives, where he represented various districts in New York. A Harvard Law School alumnus, Schumer is known for his strong legislative skills and effective policymaking (Schumer, 2021). In 2016, he secured re-election with 70.7% of the vote (Ballotpedia, 2021). Married to Iris Weinshall and a father of two, Schumer has an estimated net worth of $635,008 as of 2012 and earns an annual base salary of $193,400 (Ballotpedia, 2021).

Schumer’s extensive committee roles, including positions on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, have enabled him to advocate for impactful policies. Notable initiatives include a permanent tax credit to alleviate college tuition costs and the Direct Support for Communities Act, which supported areas hit hard by the pandemic. His commitment to addressing economic inequality and supporting underserved communities reflects his Democratic values (Schumer, 2021).

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior U.S. Senator for New York, combines her legal expertise and evolving political vision to serve her constituents. A graduate of Dartmouth College and UCLA School of Law, Gillibrand initially worked as a government lawyer and in private practice before transitioning into politics (McNamee, 2021). Known for her pro bono work on women’s abuse cases, Gillibrand gained recognition for her advocacy. Her political journey began with her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, representing New York’s 20th district, before being appointed to the Senate in 2009 (Congress.gov, 2021).

Gillibrand’s political evolution—from conservative stances on issues like gun control to progressive views on immigration—demonstrates her adaptability and commitment to social justice. Her salary is approximately $174,000, and she serves on committees such as the Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (McNamee, 2021). Gillibrand’s policy priorities include advocating for gender equality, withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and supporting anti-discrimination legislation like the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (Gillibrand, 2021).

House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as AOC, has emerged as a prominent voice in American politics. Born in 1989, she represents New York’s 14th congressional district and is known for her progressive agenda. A Boston University graduate, AOC holds a degree in economics and international relations. Despite financial hardships during her early career, she gained political momentum through grassroots advocacy and community engagement (Alter, 2019).

In 2018, AOC defeated a long-standing incumbent to win her congressional seat, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Her policies, rooted in democratic socialism, advocate for progressive economic and social reforms. Key initiatives include the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), environmental protections, LGBTQ rights, and a $15 minimum wage. Ocasio-Cortez has also voiced opposition to Israeli military actions and supported labor rights, showcasing her dedication to equity and justice (Dana, 2020; Cortez, 2021).

Comparative Overview of Representatives

Aspect	Charles Schumer	Kirsten Gillibrand	Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Education	Harvard Law School	Dartmouth College, UCLA School of Law	Boston University (Economics, International Relations)
Political Experience	Over 40 years; Senator since 1999	House Representative (2006–2009), Senator (2009–present)	Elected to Congress in 2018
Policy Focus	Economic reforms, pandemic relief	Gender equality, anti-discrimination laws	Progressive reforms, environmental justice
Net Worth	$635,008 (2012 estimate)	Not reported	Not reported
Salary	$193,400	$174,000	Not publicly disclosed

References

Alter, C. (2019). ‘Change is closer than we think.’ Inside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s unlikely rise. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/longform/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-profile/

Ballotpedia. (2021). Chuck Schumer – Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia. Retrieved from https://ballotpedia.org/Chuck_Schumer

Congress.gov. (2021). Kirsten E. Gillibrand. Congress.gov. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/member/kirsten-gillibrand/G000555

Cortez, O. (2021). Biography. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Retrieved from https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/about/biography