By this time most Americans have performed their civic duties by filling out the 10 question U.S. Census form before Census Day, April 1. Every decade, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to calculate the population of the United States, which totals more than 300 million. The process is both contentious and costly, which typically causes its fair share of controversy. Mandated by law, the United States Census has both political and economic significance, as it determines the basis for apportioning representatives to Congress and allocates billions of dollars for federal funding and provisions for redistricting. However, as our country attempts to embark on a new era of social consciousness, certain terminology on the 2010 Census drew negative attention.
The Census is conducted every 10 years as directed by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The census is essential to creating progress. As the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 advertising motto emphasizes, "We can't move forward until you mail it back." This year's census will affect the allocation of over $400 billion per year in federal funds, used to improve hospitals, emergency services, senior centers, schools, public works projects, job training centers and etc. Census data will be used for redistricting purposes depending on changes in the geographic arrangement of U.S. residents over the course of the past 10 years. Specifically, the data is crucial to determining the seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census forms are mailed to households in mid-March and preliminary state results will be returned before Dec. 31. The final results will be delivered sometime before 2013.
Since 1790, our country has completed the national census every 10 years. The original census was supervised by our very own Thomas Jefferson, who was secretary of state at the time. The census was created by our founding fathers for the purpose of empowering the American public. By participating, the American public is taking power over its government by determining congressional representation. There is no doubt that the decennial census is a consequential moment in American history. Although the 2010 Census promises to take our nation toward a brighter future, certain language on the census form took some by surprise.
The 2010 Census includes 10 standard questions, mandated by law to be answered and returned by members of every household. The ninth questions asks: "What is Person 1's race?" The choice options on the census form
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