Final answer:
Several disparities exist between Congress and the American public, including a lack of demographic representation and the disproportionate influence of wealthy minorities on policy. Additionally, low public approval ratings reflect a perception of Congress as an ineffective institution fraught with partisan conflict and inefficiencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several disparities between the members of Congress and the American public. One significant difference is in representation; while Congress has become more diverse over time, it still does not fully reflect the demographic makeup of the country. For instance, despite more than half of the U.S. population being female, only 25 percent of Congress members are women. Additionally, Congress remains predominantly White and wealthy in contrast to the general population.
Another disparity lies in the influence of wealth on policy. Research by political scientist Martin Gilens found that government policies often support the views of the wealthy over those of poorer citizens. This is largely attributed to the role of money in American politics, where wealthy minorities exert a strong influence on the laws that are passed.
Moreover, public opinion of Congress is very low, with approval ratings dipping as of July 2021. This discontent is partly because many perceive Congress as inefficient and ineffective at lawmaking. The influence of partisan rivalry, media coverage of conflicts, and fiscal shutdowns have further eroded the public's confidence in Congress's ability to represent and serve their interests.