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United States Census Bureau Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: U.S. Census Bureau: Operations, History, and Impact

Cheat Sheet:
U.S. Census Bureau: Operations, History, and Impact Study Guide

Founding and Constitutional Mandate

Article One, Section II of the Constitution mandates a population count every twenty years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Article One, Section II of the U.S. Constitution mandates that a population count, or census, be conducted at least once every ten years, not twenty.

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From 1790 to 1840, the U.S. Census was conducted by federal judges.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the period from 1790 to 1840, the U.S. Census was enumerated by the marshals of the United States judicial districts, not directly by federal judges.

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What is the constitutional mandate regarding the frequency of the U.S. population count?

Answer: It must be conducted at least once every 10 years as per Article One, Section II.

Explanation: Article One, Section II of the United States Constitution mandates that the population be enumerated at least once every ten years.

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What was the primary method used for conducting the U.S. census in the years 1790-1840?

Answer: Federal marshals of judicial districts

Explanation: During the period of 1790 to 1840, the U.S. Census was enumerated by the marshals of the respective judicial districts.

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Core Functions and Surveys

The U.S. Census Bureau's principal mandate includes the direct administration and oversight of national elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau's primary responsibilities are centered on data collection and dissemination concerning the American populace and economy, not the conduct of national elections.

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The U.S. Economic Census is conducted annually to gather information on American businesses.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Economic Census is conducted every five years, rather than annually, to compile comprehensive data on American businesses and the economy.

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The U.S. Census Bureau conducts over 130 different surveys and programs annually in addition to the decennial census.

Answer: True

Explanation: In addition to the decennial census, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a comprehensive portfolio of over 130 ongoing surveys and programs each year.

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The Census Bureau collects data on behalf of other government agencies covering topics like employment and health.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Census Bureau collaborates with numerous federal and local agencies, collecting data on diverse topics including employment, health, crime, and housing characteristics.

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The Census Act of 1920 authorized the collection of manufacturing data every ten years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Census Act of 1920 authorized the collection of manufacturing data every two years, not ten.

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The Current Population Survey (CPS) is primarily used to gather data for the decennial census count.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a distinct survey focused on labor force statistics and is not primarily utilized for gathering data for the decennial census.

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What is the principal responsibility of the United States Census Bureau?

Answer: Collecting and disseminating data about the American people and economy.

Explanation: The principal responsibility of the U.S. Census Bureau is to collect and disseminate comprehensive data concerning the nation's population and economy.

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Which of the following is NOT among the major surveys conducted by the Census Bureau mentioned in the source?

Answer: National Health Interview Survey

Explanation: Based on the provided context, the National Health Interview Survey is not listed among the major surveys conducted by the Census Bureau; it is typically administered by other federal health agencies.

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The Census Information Center (CIC) program is designed to primarily serve the needs of which group?

Answer: Underserved communities

Explanation: The Census Information Center (CIC) program is structured as a cooperative initiative to specifically address and serve the data needs of underserved communities.

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The Census Act of 1920 authorized changes to census timing and the collection of data on which specific sectors?

Answer: Manufacturing and Agriculture

Explanation: The Census Act of 1920 mandated changes to census timing and authorized the collection of data specifically pertaining to manufacturing and agriculture.

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What is the Census Bureau's role within the broader Federal Statistical System of the United States?

Answer: It is a principal agency focused on population and economic data.

Explanation: Within the Federal Statistical System, the Census Bureau serves as a principal agency, primarily responsible for generating and disseminating data related to the nation's population and economy.

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Decennial Census: Purpose and Impact

Census data is used to determine the allocation of seats in the U.S. Senate among the states.

Answer: False

Explanation: Decennial census data is utilized for the reapportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, not the U.S. Senate, which maintains a fixed representation of two senators per state.

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The Census Bureau's data is crucial for allocating federal funds to states and communities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Census Bureau data is indeed critical for the equitable allocation of substantial federal funds, influencing decisions related to community development, public health, and infrastructure.

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Governments utilize census data solely for reapportioning congressional seats.

Answer: False

Explanation: Governments utilize census data for numerous critical purposes beyond congressional reapportionment, including resource allocation, infrastructure planning, and informing policy development.

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The Census Bureau's primary mission regarding the decennial census is to ensure fair political representation across states.

Answer: True

Explanation: A fundamental mission of the decennial census is to provide population counts essential for the reapportionment of congressional seats, thereby promoting fair political representation.

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The decennial census data is primarily used to determine the allocation of seats in which legislative body?

Answer: The U.S. House of Representatives

Explanation: The primary legislative body whose seat allocation is determined by decennial census data is the U.S. House of Representatives.

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How much federal funding is estimated to be allocated annually based on Census Bureau data?

Answer: Over $675 billion

Explanation: It is estimated that over $675 billion in federal funds are allocated annually based on data collected by the Census Bureau.

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The Census Bureau conducts over 130 surveys annually. Which of the following is a key purpose of these surveys and the decennial census?

Answer: Informing decisions for community improvements and infrastructure.

Explanation: A key purpose of the decennial census and the numerous other surveys conducted by the Census Bureau is to provide data that informs critical decisions regarding community improvements, infrastructure development, and resource allocation.

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How does the decennial census data impact political representation beyond reapportioning the House of Representatives?

Answer: It influences the allocation of Electoral College votes.

Explanation: The population counts derived from the decennial census directly influence the number of Electoral College votes each state receives, thereby impacting presidential elections.

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Organizational Structure and Administration

The Director of the U.S. Census Bureau is confirmed by the Senate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Director of the U.S. Census Bureau is appointed by the President of the United States, not subject to Senate confirmation.

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The U.S. Census Bureau operates under the Department of Justice.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau functions under the U.S. Department of Commerce, not the Department of Justice.

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The Census Office was renamed the Census Bureau in 1902 under the Department of the Interior.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Census Office was placed under the Department of the Interior in 1902 and officially renamed the Census Bureau in 1903, initially within the Department of Commerce and Labor.

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The Census Bureau's regional divisions include the U.S. territories but exclude the District of Columbia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Census Bureau's regional divisions encompass the District of Columbia but exclude the U.S. territories.

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The Census Bureau's headquarters has been located in Chicago, Illinois, since 1942.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Census Bureau's headquarters has been situated in Suitland, Maryland, since 1942.

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The Census Bureau's regional division system has remained unchanged since its establishment in 1910.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Census Bureau's regional division system has undergone several modifications since its establishment in 1910 to reflect evolving demographic and administrative landscapes.

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The Census Bureau defines four statistical regions and nine divisions for data collection and analysis purposes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Census Bureau employs a framework of four statistical regions, further subdivided into nine divisions, to facilitate standardized data collection and analysis.

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Under which U.S. government department does the Census Bureau operate?

Answer: Department of Commerce

Explanation: The U.S. Census Bureau operates as a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Who has the authority to appoint the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau?

Answer: The President of the United States

Explanation: The Director of the U.S. Census Bureau is appointed by the President of the United States.

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The Census Office, established in 1840, eventually evolved into the Census Bureau and was placed under which department in 1903?

Answer: Department of Commerce and Labor

Explanation: In 1903, the Census Bureau was placed under the newly established Department of Commerce and Labor.

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Which of the following is true regarding the Census Bureau's regional classifications?

Answer: They include Washington D.C. but exclude U.S. territories.

Explanation: The Census Bureau's regional classifications encompass the District of Columbia but do not include the U.S. territories.

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The Census Bureau's headquarters has been located in which state since 1942?

Answer: Maryland

Explanation: The Census Bureau's headquarters has been situated in Suitland, Maryland, since 1942.

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How many regional offices did the Census Bureau consolidate down to in 2013?

Answer: Six

Explanation: In 2013, the Census Bureau consolidated its twelve regional offices into six.

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What historical system for regional classification preceded the current system established around 1910?

Answer: J. D. B. De Bow's 'great divisions' and 'sections'

Explanation: Prior to the current regional system established around 1910, the Census Bureau utilized classification systems developed by J. D. B. De Bow, which included 'great divisions' and 'sections'.

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Technological Evolution and Data Access

Herman Hollerith invented the UNIVAC I computer used by the Census Bureau in the 1950s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Herman Hollerith invented the electric tabulating machine utilized in the 1890 census. The UNIVAC I computer, acquired by the Census Bureau in 1951, was developed by Eckert and Mauchly Computer Corporation.

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The American FactFinder platform is the current online portal for accessing Census Bureau data.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American FactFinder platform was decommissioned in March 2020; the current primary online portal for accessing Census Bureau data is data.census.gov.

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The TIGER database system was developed to improve the processing speed of census data using UNIVAC computers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The TIGER (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) database system was developed to integrate geographic information and enhance mapping accuracy, not specifically to accelerate data processing via UNIVAC computers.

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The Census Bureau's use of Herman Hollerith's invention marked a significant advancement in:

Answer: Data processing speed and efficiency.

Explanation: Herman Hollerith's invention of electric tabulating machines, first utilized in the 1890 census, represented a significant leap forward in the speed and efficiency of processing large volumes of data.

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What was the primary purpose of introducing handheld computers (HHCs) in the 2010 Census?

Answer: To automate field data collection and improve efficiency.

Explanation: The introduction of handheld computers (HHCs) in the 2010 Census was primarily aimed at automating field data collection, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

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What was the primary function of the 'American FactFinder' platform before its decommissioning?

Answer: To disseminate Census Bureau data to the public.

Explanation: The 'American FactFinder' platform served as the primary online portal for the public to access and retrieve data from the Census Bureau for approximately two decades.

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What is the current online platform for accessing Census Bureau data?

Answer: data.census.gov

Explanation: The current primary online platform for accessing Census Bureau data is data.census.gov.

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The Census Bureau acquired its first UNIVAC I computer in which year?

Answer: 1951

Explanation: The Census Bureau accepted delivery of its first UNIVAC I computer in 1951.

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Historical Context and Controversies

The Census Bureau historically shared confidential data that aided in the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records confirm that the Census Bureau provided confidential data that facilitated the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, a practice later acknowledged with regret.

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Which historical event involved the Census Bureau providing confidential data that contributed to a government action against a specific population group?

Answer: The internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII

Explanation: The Census Bureau's provision of confidential data played a role in the U.S. government's decision to intern Japanese-Americans during World War II.

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