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Total Categories: 7
The U.S. Census Bureau, in conjunction with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), establishes the categories for self-identified race and ethnicity used in U.S. censuses.
Answer: True
The U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is responsible for establishing and defining the categories of race and ethnicity that individuals may select to self-identify in U.S. census questionnaires.
The population recorded in the first U.S. Census in 1790 was approximately 3.9 million individuals.
Answer: True
The inaugural U.S. Census, conducted in 1790, documented a total population of 3,929,214 individuals.
The 1790 census classified inhabitants only by broad categories like 'free persons' and 'slaves', without further distinctions.
Answer: False
The 1790 census provided more granular distinctions, categorizing inhabitants into groups such as 'free white males aged 16 and over,' 'free white males under 16,' 'free white females,' 'all other free persons (by sex and color),' and 'slaves'.
A substantial portion, roughly one-third, of the original census data from 1790 to 1830 has been lost or destroyed.
Answer: True
Historical records indicate that approximately one-third of the original census data collected between 1790 and 1830 is no longer extant, having been lost or destroyed over time.
U.S. Marshals were responsible for conducting the census until 1950, after which a specialized bureau took over tabulation.
Answer: False
U.S. Marshals were responsible for conducting the census only until 1840. Following this period, specialized census bureaus were established to manage data collection and tabulation.
The 1840 census finding that free Black Americans had higher rates of 'insane' or 'idiotic' behavior was accepted without opposition.
Answer: False
The controversial finding in the 1840 census regarding the mental state of free Black Americans in the North faced significant opposition, particularly from members of the Northern Whig Party.
The 1790 census included 'Indians not taxed' in the official population count.
Answer: False
The 1790 census excluded 'Indians not taxed' from the official population count, indicating that Native American populations not subject to taxation or considered outside U.S. jurisdiction were not enumerated.
Who defines the categories for race and ethnicity collected in the U.S. census?
Answer: The U.S. Census Bureau and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is responsible for establishing and defining the categories of race and ethnicity utilized in U.S. census questionnaires.
What was the total population count in the very first U.S. Census in 1790?
Answer: 3,929,214
The inaugural U.S. Census, conducted in 1790, documented a total population of 3,929,214 individuals.
Which of the following was NOT a category used in the 1790 United States Census?
Answer: Free persons of Mexican origin
The 1790 census enumerated categories such as free white males, free white females, other free persons, and slaves. 'Free persons of Mexican origin' was not a category used in this early census.
What happened to a significant portion of the original census data collected between 1790 and 1830?
Answer: It was lost or destroyed.
Historical records indicate that approximately one-third of the original census data collected between 1790 and 1830 is no longer extant, having been lost or destroyed over time.
Who was responsible for conducting the U.S. census until 1840?
Answer: U.S. Marshals
U.S. Marshals were tasked with the responsibility of conducting the decennial census from its inception until 1840.
The 1840 census reported a controversial finding regarding the mental state of free Black Americans in the North. Which political group opposed this finding?
Answer: Northern Whig Party members
The controversial finding in the 1840 census regarding the mental state of free Black Americans in the North faced significant opposition, particularly from members of the Northern Whig Party.
The 1850 census changed enumeration by listing free persons individually instead of by household head.
Answer: True
A significant methodological shift occurred with the 1850 census, which began listing free inhabitants individually rather than solely by the head of the household.
In the 1850 census, white individuals were explicitly marked with a 'W' for White, while Black individuals were marked 'B' and Mulatto individuals 'M'.
Answer: False
In the 1850 census, a column was marked 'B' for Black and 'M' for Mulatto; white individuals were indicated by leaving this column blank.
The 1890 census was the first to differentiate between various Asian ethnic groups due to increased immigration.
Answer: True
The 1890 census marked a significant development by being the first to distinguish between different Asian ethnic groups, such as Chinese and Japanese, reflecting increased immigration patterns.
The term 'race' first appeared on U.S. census questionnaires in the 1930 census.
Answer: False
The term 'race' began appearing on U.S. census questionnaires starting with the 1890 census, not the 1930 census.
The 1930 census listed 'Mexican' as a distinct racial category for the first and only time.
Answer: True
The 1930 census marked the sole occasion where 'Mexican' was enumerated as a distinct racial category, instructing enumerators to classify individuals of Mexican origin accordingly.
What significant change in enumeration occurred with the 1850 census compared to previous ones?
Answer: It listed free persons individually, rather than by head of household.
A significant methodological shift occurred with the 1850 census, which began listing free inhabitants individually rather than solely by the head of the household.
In the 1850 census, how were free inhabitants classified by race, and how were slaves counted?
Answer: Free inhabitants used 'B' for Black and 'M' for Mulatto (blank for white); slaves were counted by gender and age.
In the 1850 census, free inhabitants were classified by race using 'B' for Black and 'M' for Mulatto (white individuals were indicated by a blank), while slaves were enumerated by gender and age, not individually listed.
Which census year was the first to distinguish between different Asian ethnic groups, such as Chinese and Japanese?
Answer: 1890
The 1890 census marked a significant development by being the first to distinguish between different Asian ethnic groups, such as Chinese and Japanese, reflecting increased immigration patterns.
When did the term 'race' first begin appearing on U.S. census questionnaires?
Answer: 1890
The term 'race' began appearing on U.S. census questionnaires starting with the 1890 census.
For which group was a distinct racial category created in the 1930 census, marking the only time this occurred?
Answer: Mexican
The 1930 census marked the sole occasion where 'Mexican' was enumerated as a distinct racial category, instructing enumerators to classify individuals of Mexican origin accordingly.
The 1930 census abandoned the 'Mulatto' classification and instructed enumerators to record individuals with any Black ancestry as 'Negro'.
Answer: True
In the 1930 census, the 'Mulatto' classification was discontinued, and enumerators were directed to record individuals with any known Black ancestry as 'Negro,' reflecting the application of the 'one-drop rule'.
In 1940, people of Mexican descent were uniformly classified as 'Mexican' race, continuing the practice from the 1930 census.
Answer: False
In 1940, the classification of people of Mexican descent shifted; they were subsequently classified as 'White,' diverging from the practice in the 1930 census where 'Mexican' was a distinct racial category.
The Census Bureau's data was used to facilitate the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a fact confirmed in 2007.
Answer: True
It was confirmed in 2007 that data collected by the Census Bureau was utilized in the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War.
The 'one-drop rule' applied in the 1930 census meant that any known Black ancestry classified a person as 'Negro'.
Answer: True
The 'one-drop rule' as applied in the 1930 census stipulated that any person with known Black ancestry was to be classified as 'Negro,' irrespective of the proportion of Black lineage.
In the 1930 census, individuals of mixed Black and American Indian ancestry were classified as 'Negro' unless they were considered predominantly American Indian by their community.
Answer: True
The 1930 census instructions stipulated that individuals with mixed Black and American Indian ancestry were to be classified as 'Negro,' unless they were predominantly recognized as American Indian within their community.
What change regarding the classification of individuals with mixed Black and white ancestry occurred in the 1930 census?
Answer: The 'Mulatto' classification was abandoned, and such individuals were recorded as 'Negro'.
In the 1930 census, the 'Mulatto' classification was discontinued, and enumerators were directed to record individuals with any known Black ancestry as 'Negro,' reflecting the application of the 'one-drop rule'.
What policy change affected the classification of people of Mexican descent in the 1940 census?
Answer: They were classified as 'White'.
In 1940, the classification of people of Mexican descent shifted; they were subsequently classified as 'White,' diverging from the practice in the 1930 census where 'Mexican' was a distinct racial category.
The Census Bureau's data was confirmed in 2007 to have been used for what controversial purpose during World War II?
Answer: Internment of Japanese Americans
It was confirmed in 2007 that data collected by the Census Bureau was utilized in the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War.
What was the 'one-drop rule' as applied in the 1930 census?
Answer: Anyone with one drop of Black ancestry was classified as 'Negro'.
The 'one-drop rule' as applied in the 1930 census stipulated that any person with known Black ancestry was to be classified as 'Negro,' irrespective of the proportion of Black lineage.
The 1930 census instructed enumerators to classify individuals with mixed Black and American Indian ancestry as:
Answer: Negro
The 1930 census instructions stipulated that individuals with mixed Black and American Indian ancestry were to be classified as 'Negro,' unless they were predominantly recognized as American Indian within their community.
In the U.S. census, Hispanic or Latino origin is considered a racial category separate from other racial identifications.
Answer: False
Within the U.S. census framework, Hispanic or Latino origin is treated as an ethnic identification distinct from racial categories. A separate question specifically ascertains whether individuals are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
The 1970 census introduced questions about origin and language, including specific categories for Hispanic origin.
Answer: True
The 1970 census marked a significant expansion by incorporating questions related to origin and language, alongside the introduction of specific categories for Hispanic origin.
Americans were first allowed to self-identify their racial category starting with the 1960 Census.
Answer: False
The practice of allowing Americans to self-identify their racial category commenced with the 1970 Census, influenced by civil rights legislation.
The 1980 census introduced the categorization of all respondents into either 'Hispanic or Latino' or 'Not Hispanic or Latino' ethnic groups.
Answer: True
The 1980 census established a new framework by categorizing all respondents into one of two ethnic groups: 'Hispanic or Latino' or 'Not Hispanic or Latino'.
In the 1990 census, responses indicating multiple races were coded based on the first race written down.
Answer: True
The 1990 census was not designed to capture multiple racial responses effectively; if individuals marked 'other' race and provided multiple write-in responses, their response was assigned based on the order in which the races were written.
The Census Bureau defines 'Hispanic or Latino' as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, irrespective of their race.
Answer: True
The Census Bureau defines 'Hispanic or Latino' broadly to include individuals of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, explicitly stating this classification is independent of racial identification.
The practice of separating 'race' and 'ethnicity' has been criticized for potentially conflating distinct identities.
Answer: True
The conceptual separation of 'race' and 'ethnicity' in census categories has faced criticism for potentially conflating distinct identities, as many respondents perceive these concepts as intertwined.
How does the U.S. census distinguish between race and Hispanic/Latino origin?
Answer: Race is asked first, followed by a separate question specifically for Hispanic or Latino origin.
Within the U.S. census framework, individuals are first prompted to identify their race, followed by a distinct question that ascertains their Hispanic or Latino origin, thereby treating these as separate dimensions of identity.
Which census year saw the introduction of questions about origin, language, and specific Hispanic origin categories?
Answer: 1970
The 1970 census marked a significant expansion by incorporating questions related to origin and language, alongside the introduction of specific categories for Hispanic origin.
What major shift regarding racial identification occurred starting with the 1970 Census?
Answer: Americans were allowed to self-identify their race.
The practice of allowing Americans to self-identify their racial category commenced with the 1970 U.S. Census, influenced by legislative reforms aimed at enhancing data accuracy and representativeness.
The 1980 census introduced a new way of categorizing respondents based on what identity?
Answer: Hispanic or Latino ethnicity
The 1980 census established a new framework by categorizing all respondents into one of two ethnic groups: 'Hispanic or Latino' or 'Not Hispanic or Latino'.
The 1990 census handled write-in responses for multiple races by:
Answer: Assigning the response based on the first race written.
The 1990 census was not designed to capture multiple racial responses effectively; if individuals marked 'other' race and provided multiple write-in responses, their response was assigned based on the order in which the races were written.
What has been the primary criticism of the practice of separating 'race' and 'ethnicity' in census categories?
Answer: It fails to recognize that many respondents view race and ethnicity as a single identity.
A significant critique posits that the conceptual separation of 'race' and 'ethnicity' is problematic, as many respondents perceive these constructs as an integrated, singular identity, a nuance potentially overlooked by distinct categories.
The OMB defines race for census purposes primarily as a biological and genetic classification.
Answer: False
The OMB defines the concept of race for census purposes not as a primarily biological or genetic classification, but rather as a social-political construct. This understanding encompasses social and cultural characteristics, as well as ancestry, reflecting a socially recognized definition of race within the United States.
The 1997 OMB revisions allowed respondents to mark 'one or more races,' making data directly comparable to earlier censuses.
Answer: False
The 1997 OMB revisions, which permitted respondents to mark 'one or more races,' rendered data collected from the 2000 census onward not directly comparable to earlier census records due to the change in methodology.
In the 2000 census, nearly seven million Americans identified with multiple races due to the option to select more than one category.
Answer: True
The 2000 census data indicated that approximately seven million Americans identified as belonging to two or more races, a direct result of the revised methodology allowing multiple selections.
The 2000 census defined 'White' to include people with origins in Europe only.
Answer: False
The 2000 census definition of 'White' encompassed individuals with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa, indicating a broader scope than Europe alone.
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) recommended combining 'race' and 'ethnicity' into a single 'race/ethnicity' question for the 2000 census.
Answer: True
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) advocated for the consolidation of 'race' and 'ethnicity' into a singular 'race/ethnicity' question for the 2000 census, citing concerns about the scientific validity and connotations of the term 'race'.
The 2000 census data showed that approximately 1 million Americans identified as belonging to two or more races.
Answer: False
The 2000 census data indicated that approximately seven million Americans identified as belonging to two or more races, a direct result of the revised methodology allowing multiple selections.
The 2000 definition of 'White' was narrower than in previous censuses, excluding people from the Middle East or North Africa.
Answer: False
The 2000 definition of 'White' was broader than in some prior censuses, explicitly including people with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
The primary reason for the OMB's 1997 decision to allow marking 'one or more races' was to improve data comparability with older census records.
Answer: False
The primary reason for the OMB's 1997 decision to allow marking 'one or more races' was to accurately measure increasing diversity and accommodate requests to acknowledge full ancestry, not to improve comparability with older records.
According to the OMB, how should the concept of race be understood for census purposes?
Answer: As a social-political construct considering social, cultural, and ancestry factors
The OMB defines the concept of race for census purposes not as a primarily biological or genetic classification, but rather as a social-political construct. This understanding encompasses social and cultural characteristics, as well as ancestry, reflecting a socially recognized definition of race within the United States.
What was the consequence of the 1997 OMB revisions allowing respondents to mark 'one or more races'?
Answer: Data from 2000 onward were not directly comparable to earlier censuses.
The principal consequence of the 1997 OMB revisions, which permitted respondents to select 'one or more races,' was that data collected from the 2000 census onward became not directly comparable to census data from prior years due to the change in methodology.
In the 2000 census, what was the approximate number of Americans who identified with two or more races?
Answer: 7 million
The 2000 census data revealed that approximately seven million Americans identified as belonging to two or more races, a direct result of the revised methodology allowing multiple selections.
Which of the following groups was included in the 2000 census definition of 'White'?
Answer: People with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa
The 2000 census definition of 'White' encompassed individuals with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa, indicating a broader scope than Europe alone.
What recommendation did the American Anthropological Association (AAA) make regarding the terms 'race' and 'ethnicity' for the 2000 census?
Answer: To combine 'race' and 'ethnicity' into a single 'race/ethnicity' question.
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) advocated for the consolidation of 'race' and 'ethnicity' into a singular 'race/ethnicity' question for the 2000 census, citing concerns about the scientific validity and connotations of the term 'race'.
What did the 2000 Census Quality Survey aim to achieve?
Answer: To assess reporting of race and Hispanic origin and develop comparison methods.
The 2000 Census Quality Survey gathered data from approximately 50,000 households to assess the reporting of race and Hispanic origin, with the goal of developing methods to compare 2000 census data with previous census racial data.
What was the primary goal of the OMB's 1997 revisions to federal data standards on race and ethnicity?
Answer: To ensure consistent data across federal agencies and address increasing diversity.
The OMB's 1997 revisions aimed to provide consistent data on race and ethnicity across federal agencies, largely driven by new responsibilities to enforce civil rights laws and a recognition of increasing racial diversity.
The 2010 census explicitly stated that Hispanic origins were not considered races.
Answer: True
The 2010 census included an explicit statement clarifying that 'Hispanic origins are not races,' thereby reinforcing the distinction between ethnicity and race.
The 'Some other race' category on census forms is considered an official race category by the Census Bureau.
Answer: False
The 'Some other race' category is not considered an official race category by the Census Bureau; it serves as a residual category for responses that do not fit into the standard racial classifications.
The 2020 census instructions for the 'Some Other Race' category were updated to 'Print race or origin' to improve clarity.
Answer: True
To enhance clarity, the 2020 census revised the instructions for the 'Some Other Race' category to 'Print race or origin,' aligning with the broader aim of capturing more precise self-identification.
The 2020 census was the first to solicit Middle Eastern North African (MENA) responses through a specific checkbox category.
Answer: False
The 2020 census did not include a specific checkbox category for MENA responses. Instead, it solicited MENA origins through the write-in option for the White racial category, acknowledging that many individuals from these regions may not identify as White.
The OMB's proposal to add a MENA racial category is significant for potentially improving targeted funding and political representation.
Answer: True
The potential addition of a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) racial category is considered significant due to its implications for enhancing targeted funding allocations and improving political representation for this demographic group.
The term 'Negro' was retained in the 2020 census category for Black or African Americans.
Answer: False
The term 'Negro' was removed from the 2020 census category for Black or African Americans, which was updated to 'Black or African Am.' following advocacy for its removal.
The 2010 and 2020 census coverage error tables indicate an increased undercount for the 'Some other race' category.
Answer: True
Analysis of the 2010 and 2020 census coverage error tables reveals an increased undercount for the 'Some other race' category in both census years.
The 2020 census updated the example groups for the Hispanic origin question to better reflect population variations.
Answer: True
The 2020 census revised the example groups provided for the Hispanic origin question, altering the order and selection to better represent the diverse demographic variations within this category.
How did the 2010 census clarify the relationship between Hispanic origin and race?
Answer: By explicitly stating 'Hispanic origins are not races'.
The 2010 census included an explicit statement clarifying that 'Hispanic origins are not races,' thereby reinforcing the distinction between ethnicity and race.
What was the purpose of the 'Some other race' category in the census?
Answer: For responses not fitting standard racial categories.
The 'Some other race' category was intended for responses that did not align with the established standard racial categories, serving as a residual classification.
What change was made to the 'Some Other Race' category instructions in the 2020 census?
Answer: Instructions were updated to 'Print race or origin'.
To enhance clarity, the 2020 census revised the instructions for the 'Some Other Race' category to 'Print race or origin,' aligning with the broader aim of capturing more precise self-identification.
Which group was specifically solicited via the write-in option for the White racial category in the 2020 census?
Answer: Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)
The 2020 census solicited Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) origins through the write-in option for the White racial category, acknowledging that many individuals from these regions may not identify as White.
Why is the potential addition of a MENA racial category considered significant?
Answer: It could lead to better-targeted funding and representation.
The potential addition of a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) racial category is considered significant due to its implications for enhancing targeted funding allocations and improving political representation for this demographic group.
What change occurred regarding the 'Negro' category in the 2020 census?
Answer: It was replaced by 'Black or African Am.' and the term 'Negro' was removed.
The term 'Negro' was removed from the 2020 census category for Black or African Americans, which was updated to 'Black or African Am.' following advocacy for its removal.
The 2015 Rutgers University study found significant inequalities between which two populations in New Jersey, suggesting potential need for separate census categories?
Answer: White and Arab populations
A 2015 Rutgers University study identified significant disparities in income, citizenship, and English-speaking rates between White and Arab populations in New Jersey, suggesting potential grounds for distinct census categorization.
According to the OMB, race data from the census is primarily used for basic research unrelated to federal programs.
Answer: False
The OMB states that race data from the decennial census are crucial for implementing federal programs related to equal employment opportunities, assessing racial disparities in health and environmental risks, and providing foundational research for informed policy formulation.
Data on ethnic groups are used by governments to enforce statutes like the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.
Answer: True
Data concerning ethnic groups are indispensable for the enforcement of federal statutes, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, which address issues like voting access and equal employment opportunities.
According to the OMB, what is a primary use of race data collected via the decennial census?
Answer: Implementing federal programs related to equal employment opportunities
The OMB specifies that decennial census race data serve critical functions, including the implementation of federal programs focused on equal employment opportunities, the evaluation of racial disparities in health and environmental risks, and the provision of foundational research for informed policy formulation.
How is data on ethnic groups utilized by federal governments, according to the source?
Answer: For enforcing statutes like the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act.
Data concerning ethnic groups are indispensable for the enforcement of federal statutes, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, which address issues like voting access and equal employment opportunities.
What does a negative net coverage error indicate for a specific group in census accuracy tables?
Answer: An undercount of that group.
The metric of 'Net coverage error' quantifies the discrepancy between the estimated population size and the actual census count for a particular demographic group. A negative value indicates an undercount, highlighting potential enumeration inaccuracies for that group.