2010 Census: The U.S. Census and the Amazing Apportionment Machine

Summary

The video script explains the apportionment process for distributing seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on the census. It outlines the 'Method of Equal Proportions' used since 1940, ensuring each state gets at least one seat and equal representation. The script highlights the historical evolution from 34,000 to 647,000 constituents per representative, emphasizing the importance of the census in maintaining a representative democracy as envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

Takeaways

• 📜 The U.S. Constitution mandates a census for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives.
• 🔢 Since 1940, 'The Method of Equal Proportions' has been used for apportionment, following a specific mathematical formula.
• 💺 Each state is guaranteed at least one seat in the House, with the remaining seats distributed based on population.
• 🔄 The apportionment process re-ranks states after each seat is given out, ensuring a fair distribution.
• 📊 The formula accounts for population changes, aiming to provide approximately equal representation for each congressional district.
• 🏠 The apportionment process reflects the population growth of the United States over time.
• 📈 In 1790, each House member represented about 34,000 people, which increased to an average of 647,000 people by 2000.
• 🌱 The decennial census serves as the foundation for the representative form of government in the U.S.
• 🔧 The apportionment process is a mechanism designed to ensure equal representation as the country grows.
• 🎁 The script presents apportionment as a gift from the nation's founders, emphasizing its importance in empowering the people.
• 🎶 The script concludes with the significance of the census as a tool for empowerment, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the census mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the census is to determine the population of the states, which is used for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives to ensure equal representation.

What does the term 'apportionment' refer to in the context of the script?

Apportionment refers to the process of dividing seats in the House of Representatives among the 50 states based on their population.

Since when has Congress used 'The Method of Equal Proportions' for apportionment?

Congress has been using 'The Method of Equal Proportions' for apportionment since the 1940 Census.

What is the basic principle of 'The Method of Equal Proportions'?

The basic principle of 'The Method of Equal Proportions' is to allocate seats based on a mathematical formula that considers the population of each state, ensuring a fair distribution of seats.

How many seats does each state have at least in the House of Representatives according to the script?

According to the script, each state is guaranteed at least one seat in the House of Representatives.

What is the total number of seats in the current House of Representatives?

The total number of seats in the current House of Representatives is 435.

How does the apportionment process work after ensuring each state has at least one seat?

After ensuring each state has at least one seat, the remaining seats are distributed by ranking the states by population and using the apportionment formula to allocate seats until all seats are distributed.

What happens after each seat is distributed during the apportionment process?

After each seat is distributed, the apportionment machine re-ranks the remaining states based on the population and the formula to determine the next state to receive a seat.

How has the representation in the House of Representatives changed from 1790 to 2000?

In 1790, each House member represented about 34,000 people, whereas in 2000, each member represented on average 647,000 people, showing an increase in the population per representative.

What is the significance of the decennial census in the United States' representative form of government?

The decennial census is significant as it serves as the basis for the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives, ensuring that the government remains representative of the current population distribution.

How does the script describe the role of the nation's founders in relation to the census and apportionment?

The script describes the role of the nation's founders as transforming the census from a mere government tool into an empowering tool for the people, ensuring equal representation through the apportionment process.