1. POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN THE FORMER BRITISH EMPIRE
Though almost a solid two centuries apart, both the United States and India are former British colonies.
Struggles based upon the universal rights of man including political representation.
But how has the realities of both Indian and American independence movements lived up to the ideals espoused by their respective independence leaders?

2. Homelessness as a barrier to political representation
Homelessness is probably the largest barrier to political representation in the modern world.
While the homeless technically have a right to vote, often it is is challenging if not downright impossible to register to vote without a permanent address.
DETROIT
MUMABI
WASHINGTON
3. Unique problems Mumbai - apathy
Mumbai has high levels of political apathy compared to most other Indian cities.
Voter turnout in Mumbai is habitually lower than other major cities in the nation.
4. Unique problems Detroit Corruption and state intervention
Detroit has serious problems with political corruption, even compared to other major cities.
Furthermore, Detroit is situated in a significantly more conservative state, and often times the Michigan state government exerts supremacy over the citys wishes.
5. UNIQUE REPRESENTATION PROBLEMS IN WASHINGTON, DC
Washington, DC is home to arguably the most powerful government in the free world.
But in that seat of power, there are major discrepancies in political representation.
6. DISPARITY IN WASHINGTONS POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
But some DC residents have more political rights than others
Many of DCs professional class work in and for the federal government, giving them the ear of people in power.
Conversely, much of DCs poor and marginalized are eons, not miles away from decision makers.
7. Political Marginalization -- Conclusions
All three cities have problems with political marginalization on class lines.
But each city comes with some of their own problems:
Mumbai, even in the wake of a massive terrorist attack, cannot get its citizens to vote.
Detroit has serious corruption and home rule disputes with its state government.
Washington, DC is, in the view of the Organization of American states, effectively disenfranchised in blatant violation of the United States' commitment to the fundamental rights of man.
8. RETURN TO PART 3