Isabella Carter
The US Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years for the purpose of legislative representation. The census is a count of the entire population, including citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors, and undocumented immigrants. The data collected is used by federal statistical agencies, state and local governments, analysts, economists, and researchers to inform policy and planning. The census has been a source of controversy, particularly around the inclusion of a citizenship question, which some argue would lead to an undercount of undocumented immigrants and affect state representation and federal funding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 10 years |
| Purpose | Legislative representation, apportionment of representatives among states, redistricting, measuring economic and financial performance |
| Subjects | Citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors, undocumented immigrants |
| Data Collection | Internet, phone, paper questionnaire |
| Legal Basis | Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution; Census Act of 1790 |
| Challenges | Accuracy, inclusion of citizenship question, undercounting of certain groups |
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What You'll Learn
The census is mandated by the US Constitution
Section 2 states:
> The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such a manner as they shall by law direct.
The census is used to carry out an apportionment of representatives among the states, with the number of seats in the House of Representatives being distributed among the 50 states based on the population figures collected during the decennial census. This process is known as apportionment and is the original legal purpose of the decennial census.
The authority of the government to collect data on its citizens has been asserted and challenged over the years. While the census does not violate the Fourth Amendment, as ruled by the District Court in Morales v. Daley, the degree to which the information is needed for legitimate governmental interests has been deemed significant.
The census has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with debates over whether it should count every citizen or every resident, including non-citizens and undocumented immigrants. The inclusion of a citizenship question in the 2020 census was challenged in court, with judges concluding that it would cause an undercount as it could frighten occupants of households where non-citizen immigrants were living.
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It takes place every 10 years
The US Constitution mandates that a census be carried out every 10 years. This is enshrined in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which states: "The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such a manner as they shall by law direct." The census is a crucial tool for political empowerment, providing a count of the entire population to ensure accurate legislative representation.
The decennial census has a long history in the United States, with the first census after the American Revolution taking place in 1790 under Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Since then, there have been 24 federal censuses, with the most recent in 2020. The next census is scheduled for 2030. The census includes territories of the United States and is conducted by the United States Census Bureau.
The census plays a vital role in apportioning representatives among the states. This process, known as apportionment, involves distributing the 435 seats in the House of Representatives across the 50 states based on population figures collected during the census. This ensures that each state has a fair representation in the government, with each state's share determined by its total population.
In addition to apportionment, the census data is used for redistricting, where state officials redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts to account for population shifts. The census also provides valuable information for various stakeholders, including federal and local governments, analysts, economists, researchers, journalists, and educators.
The specific questions included in the census are not specified in the Constitution. However, the Census Bureau is required to notify Congress of the planned subjects for the census no later than three years in advance and the specific wording of the questions no later than two years in advance. While the census has faced legal challenges and controversies, particularly around the inclusion of citizenship questions, it remains a fundamental tool for ensuring accurate representation and informing decision-making at various levels of government.
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It is used to apportion representatives among the states
The US Constitution mandates that an apportionment of representatives among the states must be carried out every 10 years. This is the original legal purpose of the decennial census. Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution specifies that a count of the entire population is to be undertaken for the purpose of legislative representation.
The number of seats in the House has grown with the country. Congress sets the number in law and increased the number to 435 in 1913. The Constitution, Article I, Section 2 states, “Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers.” This means that each state’s share of national representatives in government is determined by the state’s total population.
The census is also used by two federal statistical agencies – the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Federal Reserve Board – to measure the nation's economic and financial performance. State and local governments use the data to develop programs and budgets, assess financial conditions, and perform comparative analyses. Analysts, economists, market specialists, and researchers need these data to measure the changing characteristics of the government sector of the economy and to conduct public policy research. Journalists, teachers, and students also learn about their governments' activities using census data.
The US Census has taken place every 10 years since 1790. The Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the census. The most recent national census took place in 2020, and the next census is scheduled for 2030.
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It counts every resident, including non-citizens
The census counts every resident, including non-citizens. This has been the understanding since the early days of the census, though the question of who should be counted has been frequently debated. The census includes citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors, and undocumented immigrants. The Census Bureau bases its decision on the concept of "usual residence," which is defined as the place a person lives and sleeps most of the time.
The census is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which specifies that a count of the entire population is to be undertaken for the purpose of legislative representation. The Constitution does not limit the census to a simple headcount and allows for the collection of other statistics necessary for governance. The Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of Congress to collect statistics in the census.
The census has been a subject of controversy, particularly around the inclusion of a citizenship question. The Trump Administration attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, arguing that it was necessary to exclude illegal immigrants from the count used for apportionment. However, federal judges ruled that there was no valid reason for adding the question and that it would likely lead to an undercount as households with non-citizen immigrants might refuse to fill out the questionnaire.
The census is used to apportion representatives among the states and is considered the "linchpin of the federal statistical system." It is conducted every ten years, with the next census scheduled for 2030. The data collected is used by various government agencies, analysts, economists, and researchers for planning and policy-making.
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The data is used by federal statistical agencies
The data collected from the US census is used by federal statistical agencies, state and local governments, analysts, economists, market specialists, and researchers. The census data is essential for various purposes, including measuring the nation's economic and financial performance, developing programs and budgets, performing analyses, and conducting public policy research.
The census data is also used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Federal Reserve Board to assess the country's economic health and financial performance. This information is vital for government agencies, analysts, and businesses when making economic development and business decisions. For instance, the Economic Census, conducted once every five years, provides valuable insights into the American business landscape and the economy.
State and local governments rely on census data to develop programs and budgets, assess their financial conditions, and perform comparative analyses. This helps them understand population shifts and make informed decisions about redistributing congressional and state legislative districts.
Analysts, economists, market specialists, and researchers use census data to study the changing characteristics of the government sector and conduct public policy research. They can measure the government sector's economic performance and identify areas that require improvement or policy interventions.
The census data is also a valuable educational tool. Journalists, teachers, and students use the information to learn about and report on government activities, keeping the public informed and promoting transparency in governance.
In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau also conducts surveys and statistical modelling in the years between the censuses. These include the Population Estimates Program and the American Community Survey, which provide valuable insights in the absence of a full census.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the US census is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the US Constitution and takes place every 10 years.
The original purpose of the census is to apportion representatives among the states. The data is also used by federal statistical agencies to measure the nation's economic and financial performance.
The US Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the census.
The census counts every resident, including citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors, and undocumented immigrants.
The first census after the American Revolution was taken in 1790 under Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. There have been 24 federal censuses since then.
