U S Census
The US Census is a mandate set forth by the United States Constitution, and was designed to get an idea of the ever-changing and constantly growing population of America. The census is performed every ten years, and helps to allocate Congressional seats based on various localities or districts. The first census was taken in 1790. At the time, Thomas Jefferson was the Secretary of State. Since then, 21 different censuses have been taken in the United States. The numbers are retrieved based on people living in residential structures such as homes or apartments. The main purpose of the US Census is to gather statistical data, so all results and respondents' information remains completely confidential. Any data is not to be revealed by anyone including employees of the US Census Bureau. The next census is set to take place in April, 2010 but the information will not be available for public view until 2082 due to the 72-year privacy law.
The US Census divides the nation into four major regions. These regions include the Northeast, Northwest, South, and West regions. Each region is then divided into different, smaller divisions which are grouped by states. Census workers poll local residents to find out the number of occupants in the household, age of each occupant, and their sex. This helps them to get a better idea of who is living in what areas. They also ask the person's nationality or race. Older censuses were taken by sending out poll takers door to door. While there are still some individual door to door polls, most of the new US Census forms are mailed to residents, who must then mail them back so that the data can be tallied. The Census is a great way to get an idea of how the United States is changing, and how demographics affect policy and important issues like healthcare, energy distribution, and other essential factors that have an impact on each and every American.
