Need Help?
The Constitution and the Census
Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution specifies that a count of the entire population is to be undertaken for the purpose of legislative representation. From that simple statement, the authority of the government to collect data on its citizens has been asserted and challenged over the years. The sources listed below cover the debate on the legal authority of the Census.
- Constitutional Topic: The Census
This link opens in a new window
A discussion of Article 1 Section 2 which mentions the Census. - Census in the Constitution
- This link opens in a new window
The Census Bureau web site includes a discussion of its constitutional and legislative authority. - Guide to the U.S. Supreme Court
This link opens in a new window
The Census has been challenged in the courts through the years. This book offers broad coverage of the Supreme Court, including the Census challenges. Both volumes indexed by case and subject.
