After our independence and the drafting of the constitution, it became necessary to conduct a census. The census was necessary to determine the number of seats a state was allowed in the House of Representatives according to the U.S. Constitution. The first census counted “the number of free white males age 16 and over, free white females, all other free persons, and how many slaves there were” (United States Census Bureau). The first census took more than a year to complete. The results were posted in two public places so anyone could see them. Interestingly enough, the earliest census inquired about so many different things, that it took more than a decade to publish the findings. Originally, the U.S. Marshal Service was tasked with carrying out the national census. Eventually they become loaded with other duties that took precedence over the census and as a result, the National Census Bureau was formed. After much trial and tribulation and transfers from one department to the next, the Census Bureau found its permanent home in the Department of Commerce in 1913. Currently, the headquarters of the Census Bureau are located in Suitland, Maryland.
The main purpose of the Census Bureau is to properly assign seats to the House of Representatives. In addition to assigning seats, the bureau is …show more content…
The bureau is mandated to collect a census once every ten years and also conducts surveys regarding crime rates, employment and education, just to name a few. One important regulation on the Census Bureau to note is that under all circumstances, the information acquired has to be confidential. It can only be used for statistics purposes, shared with other employees of the census bureau, and has to remain anonymous (Cornell University). They can do this through surveys and questionnaires and are allowed to update the technology of the collection as seen
The main purpose of the Census Bureau is to properly assign seats to the House of Representatives. In addition to assigning seats, the bureau is …show more content…
The bureau is mandated to collect a census once every ten years and also conducts surveys regarding crime rates, employment and education, just to name a few. One important regulation on the Census Bureau to note is that under all circumstances, the information acquired has to be confidential. It can only be used for statistics purposes, shared with other employees of the census bureau, and has to remain anonymous (Cornell University). They can do this through surveys and questionnaires and are allowed to update the technology of the collection as seen