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

U.S. Census Bureau

8 Dec 201002:09

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

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🗳️ Census Apportionment in the U.S. Constitution

This paragraph introduces the constitutional basis for the census and the apportionment process in the United States. It explains that the Constitution mandates a census to determine the distribution of seats in the House of Representatives among the states. The narrator highlights the use of 'The Method of Equal Proportions' since the 1940 Census, which involves a mathematical formula to ensure fair representation based on population. The paragraph emphasizes the historical evolution of representation, from 34,000 people per House member in 1790 to 647,000 in 2000, and underscores the importance of the census in maintaining a representative democracy as envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Census

The census is a method of systematically collecting and recording information about the members of a population. In the context of the video, the census is the basis for determining the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, ensuring that representation is proportional to population size.

💡Apportionment

Apportionment refers to the process of distributing a fixed number of seats or positions among a group, based on certain criteria. The video explains that apportionment is used to divide the 435 seats in the House of Representatives among the 50 states of the United States, according to their population numbers.

💡House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, composed of representatives who are elected by the people of their respective states. The video discusses how the number of representatives each state has in the House is determined through the apportionment process following the census.

💡Method of Equal Proportions

The Method of Equal Proportions is a mathematical formula used by the U.S. Congress to determine the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives since the 1940 Census. The video mentions this method as the 'apportioning machine' that ensures a fair distribution of seats based on population.

💡Representative

A representative is a person elected or appointed to act or vote on behalf of others. In the video, the term is used to describe the members of the House of Representatives who are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents.

💡Constitution

The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land and outlines the framework of the federal government. The video references the Constitution as the document that mandates the census and the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives.

💡Population

Population refers to the total number of people in a particular area or country. The video emphasizes the importance of population numbers in the apportionment process, as they determine the number of seats each state receives in the House.

💡Congress

Congress is the legislative branch of the United States federal government, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The video mentions Congress as the body that uses the Method of Equal Proportions to apportion seats following the census.

💡Decennial

Decennial means occurring every ten years. The video explains that the census, and by extension the apportionment process, takes place every ten years to reflect changes in the population.

💡Founding Fathers

The Founding Fathers were the leaders who drafted and signed the United States Constitution. The video credits them with the creation of the apportionment process, which they intended to ensure equal representation for all citizens.

💡Empowerment

Empowerment refers to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life. In the video, the term is used to describe how the census and apportionment process give power to the people by ensuring their voices are heard in government.

Highlights

The Constitution mandates a census for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives among the states.

Apportionment is the process of dividing House seats among the 50 states based on population.

Since the 1940 Census, Congress has used 'The Method of Equal Proportions' for apportionment.

The apportionment formula is simplified as an 'apportioning machine' that assigns seats.

Each state is guaranteed at least one seat in the House.

After allocating 50 seats, 385 seats remain for apportionment.

States are ranked by population and seats are distributed accordingly.

The apportionment process re-ranks states after each seat is assigned.

The goal is to ensure equal representation for all congressional districts.

The number of people represented by each House member has significantly increased since 1790.

In 1790, each House member represented about 34,000 people, compared to 647,000 in 2000.

The decennial census serves as the basis for the representative form of government in the US.

The apportionment process adapts to the country's growth, maintaining equal representation.

The census has evolved from a government tool to an empowerment tool for the people.

The apportionment process is a gift from the nation's founders, ensuring fairness in representation.

The transcript highlights the importance and evolution of the census and apportionment in US governance.