The U.S. Census is an important process conducted by the United States government that gathers data about the population of the country every ten years. The decennial census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and is used to help distribute funds and resources to states and communities. As mandated by the Census Act of 1790, the data is used to determine congressional districts and apportionment of representatives.

The U.S. Census is a complex process that gathers a wealth of data from citizens. Despite this breadth of information, there are four statements that are not true of the U.S. Census:

• Grade 7 students are responsible for conducting the census. Although grade 7 Social Studies classes provide a comprehensive overview of the formation of the American identity and may include an overview of the census process, students are not responsible for conducting the census. This is an important task that is managed and carried out by the United States Census Bureau.
• The U.S. Constitution requires the census to be conducted in a certain manner. The U.S. Constitution empowers the Congress to carry out the census in “such manner as they shall by Law direct.” However, the Constitution does not specify a particular manner of conducting the census.
• The Census Bureau defines subject definitions. While the definitions and explanations found in reports in the Current Population Reports series issued by the Census Bureau are largely drawn from the definitions used by the Census Bureau, the Census Bureau does not define the subject definitions in the reports.
• The data collected in the census is used to determine state and local taxes. The data collected in the census is used to determine congressional districts and apportionment of representatives, but it is not used to determine state and local taxes.

The U.S. Census is an important part of the American tradition, and it is necessary to ensure that the data collected is accurate and up-to-date. Understanding which statements are true and which are not true of the U.S. Census is a key part of this process.