Political Dictionary
The census is the constitutionally required count of the U.S. population conducted every ten years.
Definition
The U.S. census is a nationwide population count conducted once each decade by the Census Bureau. It collects information used to allocate House seats, draw districts, distribute federal funds, and support research and government planning.
Why It Matters
Census results affect political representation and the distribution of substantial public resources. Undercounts or misclassification can influence communities for the next decade.
How It Works
The Census Bureau contacts households through mail, online forms, phone, and in-person follow-up. It processes responses, resolves duplicates, applies confidentiality protections, and delivers apportionment and redistricting data.
History
The Constitution required an enumeration beginning in 1790. The census expanded over time in scale, methodology, and data products while remaining tied to representation and taxation.
Example
Population gains may cause one state to receive an additional House seat after the census.
Common Misconceptions
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