U.S. Census History and Impact

The U.S. Census, conducted every 10 years, is a constitutional requirement to count the population for apportioning representatives and taxes. It faces challenges like budget constraints and undercounting certain populations. The census collects demographic data, which is confidential for 72 years, and has evolved over time, including changes in race and ethnicity categorization. The data is crucial for federal funding and political representation, but logistical difficulties and controversies, such as the proposed citizenship question, affect its accuracy.

What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Census as mandated by the Constitution?

• To allocate state budgets

• To apportion representatives and direct taxes

• To decide on federal laws

• To determine the President of the United States

In what year was the U.S. Census first conducted online?

• 2010

• 2015

• 2000

• 2020

How does the American Community Survey differ from the decennial census?

• It is not used for federal funding decisions

• It gathers more detailed demographic information

• It is sent to all households

• It is conducted every 10 years

What significant change occurred in the census after the 2000 survey?

• The use of the census for military drafts

• The inclusion of a citizenship question

• The end of statistical sampling for demographic questions

• The introduction of online responses

What was a controversial use of census data during World War II?

• To allocate military resources

• To construct internment camps

• To determine voting districts

• To set tax rates

What is the confidentiality period for individual census data?

• 25 years

• 100 years

• 72 years

• 50 years

Which amendment abolished the three-fifths compromise in the census?

• 13th Amendment

• 12th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the citizenship question in the 2020 census?

• It was left to state discretion

• It was postponed

• It was deemed unconstitutional

• It was approved

Which population is often undercounted in the census?

• College students

• The homeless

• Senior citizens

• Rural residents

What is a major challenge faced by the Census Bureau in urban areas?

• Excessive funding

• Mistrust among communities

• High response rates

• Overcounting of residents