INFORMATION TO USERS This dissertation was produced from a microfilm copy of the original document. While the most advanced technological means to photograph and reproduce this document have been used, the quality is heavily dependent upon the quality of the original submitted. The following explanation of techniques is provider to help you understand markings or patterns which may appear on this reproduction. 1. The sign or "target" for pages apparently lacking from the document photographed is "Missing Page(s)". If it was possible to obtain the missing page(s) or section, they are spliced into the film along with adjacent pages. This may have necessitated cutting thru an image and duplicating adjacent pages to insure you complete continuity. 2. When an image on the film is obliterated with a large round black mark, it is an indication that the photographer suspected that the copy may have moved during exposure and thus cause a blurred image. You will find a good image of the page in the adjacent frame. 3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc., was part of the material being photographed the photographer followed a definite method in "sectioning" the material. It is customary to begin photoing at the upper left hand corner of a large sheet and to continue photoing from left to right in equal sections with a small overlap. If necessary, sectioning is continued again — beginning below the first row and continuing on until complete. 4. The majority of users indicate that the textual content is of greatest value, however, a somewhat higher quality reproduction could be made from "photographs" if essential to the understanding of the dissertation. Silver prints of "photographs" may be ordered at additional charge by writing the Order Department, giving the catalog number, title, author and specific pages you wish reproduced. University MicrofiSms A Xerox Education Company COLSTON, Freddie Charles, 1936- THE INFLUENCE OF THE BLACK LEGISLATORS IN THE OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The Ohio State University, Ph.D., 1972 Political Science, general University Microfilms, A XEROX Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan - Copyright by Freddie Charles Colston 1972 THIS DISSERTATION HAS BEEN MICROFIIMED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED. THE INFLUENCE OF THE BLACK LEGISLATORS IN THE OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Freddie Charles Colston, B.A., M.A. ******* The Ohio State University 1972 Approved by ^ ( ^ Q J j 6. (%& Adviser^ Department of Political Science PLEASE NOTE: Some pages may have indistinct print. Filmed as received. University Microfilms, A Xerox Education Company Dedicated to My Daughter Deirdre Charisse Colston ACI{NO',VLEDGMENT s Several individuals made significant contributions to the preparation and writing of this dissertation. Without their help, this project would not have been a success. First and foremost, the author expresses deep gratitude to Professor Randall B. Ripley for his role in the completion of this research; his advice, assistance and frequent encourage­ ments were invaluable. It was Professor Ripley who initially suggested that I explore the possibility of doing a research project in the area of legislative politics and he offered expert commentary throughout all stages of the project. Professors John R. Champlin and Lawrence J. R. Herson like­ wise read the material and recommended improvements. Mrs. Mary Walters, librarian in The Ohio State Univer­ sity Library, Circulation Department, is due credit for reading portions of this research and for suggesting valuable editorial comments. Sincere appreciation is also expressed to the legisla­ tors in the Ohio House of Representatives who gave of their time and knowledge on legislative affairs while responding to the author’s interview questions. My understanding of the legislative process was enhanced immensely as a direct result of their kind cooperation. Thanks, likewise, is conveyed to the numerous clerical workers in Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati newspaper offices whose courteous and cooperative assistance aided the author in data collection for this research project. For similar reasons, gratitude is ex­ pressed to helpful individuals who are employed by the Ohio and Western Reserve historical societies for their succor in the task of completing this study. Furthermore, special appreciation is extended to the personnel in The Legislative Service Commission, The Governor’s Office, The Secretary of State’s Office, and The Ohio Legislative Reference Bureau who contributed greatly to the author’s efforts while collecting the pertinent data for this study. Any omissions, miscalculations and imperfections found in this research project, however, are solely the author's responsibility. March 28, 1936. Born - Gretna, Florida 1959.................. B.A., Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia 1959-1965 ........... Teacher, Attacks High School, Hollywood, Florida 1966.................. M.A., Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia 1966-1968 ........... Instructor, The Fort Valley State college. Fort Valley, Georgia 1968-1971 ........... Teaching Associate, Department of Political Science, The Ohio State University Fellow, The Southern Fellowships Fund, Atlanta, Georgia 1970.................. Lecturer, Summer Session, Department of Political Science, Ohio Dominican College, Columbus, Ohio 1971-1972 ........... Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina 1972.................. Lecturer, Summer Trimester, Depart­ ment of Political Science, Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Political Science Studies in Political Theory. Professor David Spitz, Professor David Kettler and Professor John Champlin Studies in Public Law. Professor Francis Aumann Studies in American Government. Professor Randall B. Ripley ACKNOWLEDGMENTS................. ii VITA ........................................................iv LIST OF TABLES ............................................. ix CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION: THE RESEARCH DESIGN ........... 1 The Purpose and Nature of the Study .... 1 Definition of Terms ........................... 14 Significance of the Study .................... 16 Methodology .................................... 18 Outline of the Chapters ...................... 22 II. THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND BLACK MEMBERSHIP. 28 The Early Legislature ...................... 28 The Constitution of 1851 and Later Developments ............................. 33 Black Membership in the Ohio House of Representatives: The Pre-Contemporary Group........................................ 39 III. THE BLACK LEGISLATORS: SOME INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS....................................49 Ecological Origins............................. 49 Political Socialization .... ........... 53 Political Recruitment ...................... 55 Constituency...................... 59 Role Perception ............................... 64 IV. THE BLACK LEGISLATORS AS AN INFORMAL GROUP IN THE OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ..... 80 The Informal Group Configuration............. 88 CONTENTS ( c o n t in u e d ) Page IV. (continued) The Black Legislators: Their Status as an Informal Group.................... The Black Legislators and Legislation in the 109th General Assembly ......... 103 The Black Legislators and Group Pforms . 108 The Perceptions of the White Legisla­ tors about the Black Legislators' Status as an Influential Group. , , V. THE RELATIONSHIP BETIVEEN THE BLACK LEGIS­ LATORS AND THE p o l i t i c a l PARTIES ......... 117 Political Parties in Ohio ............. 117 The Black Legislators and the Parties in the House of Representatives .... 121 The Black Legislators as a Voting Bloc. 131 VI. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BLACK LEGIS­ LATORS AND INTEREST GROUPS, THE GOVERNOR, HIS STAFF AND THE BUREAUCRACY............. 145 The Black Legislators and Interest Groups 145 The Black Legislators, The Governor, and His Staff...................... 153 The Black Legislators and the State Bureaucracy........................ 168 VII. CONCLUSION. 184 Summary of Evidence Related to the Hypotheses ........................ 192 Typical Characteristics of the Black Legislators in the Ohio House of Representatives. .... ......... 203 Suggestions for Future Research . 206 APPENDIX A 210 APPENDIX B 218 APPENDIX C 221 CONTENTS (continued) page APPENDIX D ......................................... 223 APPENDIX E ......................................... 225 APPENDIX F ......................................... 240 BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................... 243 LIST OF TABLES TABLE Page 1. Pre“Contemporary Black Legislators in the Chic House of Representatives................ 41 2. The Black Legislators' Length of Residence in the Districts They Represent ..............51 3. Occupations of the Fathers of the Black Legislators in the Ohio House of Repre­ sentatives ...................................... 52 4. Background Data on the Contemporary Black Legislators in the Ohio House of Repre­ sentatives...................................... 69 5. Standing Committees in the Ohio House of Representatives ............................. 84 6. Party Loyalty Scores ........................... 125 7. Frequency of Dissent among Black Legislators . 133 8. An Evaluation of 10 Bills before the Ohio House of Representatives during the 1971 Session........................ 134 9. Party Loyalty on