Economic inequality significantly impacts political representation by creating disparities in power and influence. Those with greater wealth often have more access to political resources, such as lobbying, campaign financing, and media platforms, skewing representation in favor of affluent interests. This can lead to policies that benefit the wealthy while neglecting the needs of lower-income populations, undermining the democratic principle of equal representation. Ultimately, economic inequality can decrease public trust in government and erode social cohesion, leading to increased political polarization and potential unrest.