During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, blacks were among the most
liberal Americans. Since the 1970s, however, increasing representation in
national, state, and local government has brought about a more centrist outlook
among black political leaders.
Focusing on the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Katherine Tate studies the
ways in which the nation's most prominent group of black legislators has
developed politically. Organized in 1971, the CBC set out to increase the
influence of black legislators. Indeed, over the past four decades, they have
made progress toward the goal of becoming recognized players within Congress.
And yet, Tate argues, their incorporation is transforming their policy
preferences. Since the