How The Census Changed America

The video discusses the US Census, a decennial head count of American residents, highlighting its role in shaping public policy and ensuring fair representation in Congress. It traces the history of the census from its inception in 1790, through innovations like Herman Hollerith's mechanical card reading device, to modern challenges such as the high cost and social reluctance to participate. The video also explores legal aspects, including the constitutional mandate and historical debates over representation, particularly the 3/5 compromise. It concludes with concerns about the impact of a citizenship question on census accuracy.

What is one of the primary purposes of the US Census?

• To ensure fair representation in Congress

• To decide state capitals

• To determine the President of the United States

• To allocate military resources

Who invented a device to streamline the census process in 1890?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Graham Bell

• George Washington

• Herman Hollerith

What does Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution mandate?

• The Vice President must be from a different state than the President

• The Supreme Court must have 9 justices

• The census must occur every 10 years

• The President must be elected every 4 years

What was the 3/5 compromise about?

• Allowing three out of every five representatives to be from the South

• Giving three out of every five dollars to Southern states

• Allowing three out of every five states to vote on slavery

• Counting three out of every five slaves in the census

What concern does the citizenship question in the census raise?

• It will increase the number of census workers needed

• It might cause a delay in the census process

• It could result in an inaccurate population count

• It may lead to an increase in taxes