U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
During a civics interview, an applicant is asked about the purpose of the United States federal census. What is its primary function?
- ATo track immigration patterns into the country.
- BTo collect taxes from all U.S. residents.
- CTo register voters for federal elections.
- DTo determine the number of Representatives each state gets in Congress.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To determine the number of Representatives each state gets in Congress.
The U.S. federal census, conducted every 10 years, is mandated by the Constitution primarily to determine the population of each state for the purpose of apportioning seats in the House of Representatives.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The census collects demographic data, but its primary purpose is not solely to track immigration patterns.
- B. While census data can inform tax policies, its direct function is not tax collection.
- C. Voter registration is handled at the state level, not by the federal census.
U.S. Federal Census
A constitutionally mandated count of the U.S. population conducted every ten years to apportion seats in the House of Representatives.
- Mandated by Article I, Section 2
- Conducted every 10 years
- Determines House representation
- Used for federal funding allocation
Memory trick: The Census 'Counts' for 'Congress' seats.