2020 Census: What is the Census?

U.S. Census Bureau

17 Sept 201901:51

Summary

TLDRThe US Census Bureau invites households to participate in the 2020 census, a constitutionally mandated headcount of every person in the United States every ten years. The census is vital for determining state representation in the House of Representatives, guiding community planning, and allocating billions for public services. For the first time, responses can be submitted online, by phone, or mail, with questions about household size, age, and sex. All data is confidential and cannot be shared with law enforcement, emphasizing that every person's count is crucial for shaping the nation's future.

Takeaways

📅 The US Census Bureau will invite participation for the 2020 census starting in March.
🔍 The census is a headcount of every person living in the United States, mandated by the US Constitution every ten years since 1790.
🗳️ The primary purpose of the census is to ensure government representation by determining the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives.
📊 The census data is also used by leaders to make informed decisions and guide community planning for the future.
💰 The 2020 census will influence the allocation of billions of dollars for public services such as roads, schools, hospitals, health care, and emergency response services.
💻 For the first time in 2020, participants can complete the census online, by phone, or by mail.
📝 The census asks basic questions about the number of people living in a household, their age, sex, and the presence of children.
🔒 By law, all census responses are confidential and personal information cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies.
👤 Every person's response counts, regardless of their identity or location, emphasizing the importance of participation for everyone.
🏛️ The census plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the country by affecting government representation and funding for public services.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether a family has participated in past censuses or not, the 2020 census is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the nation's development.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the US Census?
-The US Census is a headcount of every person living in the United States, conducted every ten years as required by the US Constitution, to ensure government representation and to determine the number of seats each state receives in the US House of Representatives.
Why is the census important for democracy?
-The census is a cornerstone of democracy because it helps to determine representation and informs decisions on how public resources are allocated, ensuring that government decisions reflect the needs and composition of the population.
How has the method of completing the census changed in 2020?
-In 2020, for the first time, individuals were able to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail, offering more convenient options for participation.
What kind of data does the census collect?
-The census collects basic demographic information such as the number of people living in a household, their ages, sexes, and whether there are any children present.
How does the census impact the allocation of public services?
-The data from the census helps inform decisions on how billions of dollars are allocated annually for critical public services like roads, schools, hospitals, health care clinics, and emergency response services.
Is the information provided in the census confidential?
-Yes, by law, all census responses are completely confidential, and personal information cannot be shared with any law enforcement agencies.
What is the historical significance of the US Census?
-The US Census has been conducted since 1790 and has played a crucial role in determining the political representation and resource allocation in the country.
How does the census affect community planning?
-Census data helps guide planning for the future of communities by providing insights into population changes, which can inform infrastructure development, service provision, and other community needs.
Why is it important for every person to participate in the census?
-Every person's participation in the census is important because it ensures accurate representation and fair allocation of resources, affecting the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Can the census data be used for law enforcement purposes?
-No, the census data cannot be used for law enforcement purposes as it is protected by law to maintain the confidentiality and trust of the respondents.
What is the significance of the census for the future of the country?
-The census plays a significant role in shaping the future of the country by influencing policy decisions, resource distribution, and the overall direction of social, economic, and political development.

Outlines

00:00

📊 Introduction to the 2020 US Census

The US Census Bureau is set to invite households nationwide to participate in the 2020 census, which is a constitutionally mandated headcount of every person in the United States occurring every ten years since 1790. The census is crucial for government representation, determining the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives, and guiding community planning. The data gathered influences decisions on the allocation of billions of dollars for public services such as roads, schools, hospitals, health care clinics, and emergency response services. For the first time in 2020, participants can respond to the census online, by phone, or by mail, answering simple questions about the number of people in their household and their demographics. It is emphasized that all responses are confidential and personal information cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies. The census is depicted as an inclusive process where every individual's participation is vital for shaping the country's future.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Census

A census is an official count of the population, conducted by the government at regular intervals. In the context of the video, the 2020 census is a nationwide headcount in the United States, mandated by the U.S. Constitution to ensure fair representation and allocation of resources. The video emphasizes the importance of the census in determining the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and in guiding the distribution of public services.

💡Representation

Representation refers to the process by which people are given a voice in government or decision-making bodies. The video highlights that the census is crucial for ensuring that the government represents the people accurately. It is used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is a direct form of political representation.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. The video describes the census as a cornerstone of democracy, as it is used to ensure that the government reflects the will of the people and that resources and power are distributed equitably among the population.

💡Population Count

A population count is the total number of individuals in a given area. The video explains that the U.S. Constitution requires a population count every ten years, which has been the practice since 1790. This count is essential for determining political representation and the allocation of federal funds.

💡US House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government. The video mentions that the census determines the number of seats each state receives in the House, which is a critical aspect of ensuring fair political representation.

💡Allocation

Allocation refers to the process of distributing resources or funds. The video explains that the census data is used to allocate billions of dollars annually for public services, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and health care clinics, ensuring that these services are distributed according to the population's needs.

💡Public Services

Public services are services provided by the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of its citizens. The video mentions several examples of public services, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and health care clinics, which are funded based on the data collected during the census.

💡Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the practice of keeping information private and secure. The video assures viewers that all census responses are completely confidential by law and that personal information cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the privacy and security of the data collected.

💡Online

Online refers to the ability to complete tasks or access services through the internet. The video mentions that for the first time in 2020, people will be able to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail, indicating a move towards digital convenience and accessibility.

💡Planning

Planning is the process of making decisions about the future, often based on current data and trends. The video states that the census helps guide planning for the future of communities, using the data to inform decisions on public services and resource allocation.

💡Participation

Participation is the act of taking part in something, such as an event or process. The video encourages everyone to participate in the census, emphasizing that every person counts, regardless of their background or previous involvement in the process.

Highlights

The US Census Bureau will invite households to participate in the 2020 census starting in March.

The census is a headcount of every person living in the United States.

The US Constitution requires a population count every ten years.

The census has determined the number of seats each state receives in the US House of Representatives since 1790.

The census is a cornerstone of democracy in the United States.

Census data helps guide planning for the future of communities.

The 2020 census will inform decisions on the allocation of billions of dollars annually for public services.

For the first time, the 2020 census can be completed online, by phone, or by mail.

The census asks simple questions about the number of people in a household and their basic demographics.

Census responses are completely confidential by law and cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies.

Every person's response counts, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Participation in the census is crucial for shaping the future of the country.

The census data is used to make decisions that affect critical public services like roads, schools, hospitals, and health care.

The census also informs funding for fire and emergency response services.

Hundreds of other programs rely on census data for their allocation and planning.

Whether it's a family tradition or a first-time participation, the 2020 census is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the nation's future.