Final answer:
The impact of minority and majority factions on representation can vary. Term limits alone haven't increased diversity significantly, and the design of districts plays a role. Increasing diversity over time, however, enhances the variety of experiences and perspectives in policymaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Representatives serve for a finite number of years per term, which means that minority and majority factions can have a significant impact on representation. Despite original intentions, term limits have not led to a significant increase in diversity among representatives. Research indicates there is no statistically significant difference in the rate of female and minority representation in term-limited versus non-term-limited states. Furthermore, women and minorities who do manage to get elected are also subject to the same term limits, potentially leading to a loss in diversity over time.
Moreover, the structure of districts, whether single-member or multimember, can influence the ability of minorities and women to be elected. Geographically based single-member districts may better represent racial and ethnic minorities, whereas multimember districts might ensure greater election of women. However, multimember districts can diffuse accountability and make it harder for constituents to monitor their representatives' behavior.
Despite these challenges, the US Congress has become more diverse over time, growing from 12 percent people of color in 2001 to 24 percent in 2021, and from 13 percent women to 27 percent over the same period. This increasing diversity brings a wider variety of life experiences and perspectives to policymaking, which can improve representation for constituents. While descriptive representation does not guarantee that a legislator will represent the political interests of their constituents, it can improve the probability that minority groups' interests will be represented.