Question

question 8 (multiple choice worth 5 points)
(03.08r lc)

what is the main purpose of conducting a census every 10 years?

to determine which state will choose the president
to determine representational apportionment
to allow candidates to see what areas to target
to collect data on citizens who are not registered to vote

Explanation:

Identify the core constitutional requirement

The United States Constitution mandates a population count, or census, every ten years. This requirement is established in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution.

Connect census data to representation

The primary constitutional purpose of this decennial count is to determine how many seats each state receives in the House of Representatives. This process of distributing seats based on population is known as representational apportionment.

Evaluate the given options

• To determine which state will choose the president: Incorrect. The Electoral College system, not a single state, chooses the president.
• To determine representational apportionment: Correct. The census directly determines how congressional seats are apportioned among the states.
• To allow candidates to see what areas to target: Incorrect. While campaigns use demographic data, this is not the official or main purpose of the census.
• To collect data on citizens who are not registered to vote: Incorrect. The census counts all residents, regardless of voter registration status.

Answer:

• To determine which state will choose the president
• To determine representational apportionment (Correct answer)
• To allow candidates to see what areas to target
• To collect data on citizens who are not registered to vote