Why does the Constitution require a census?

The Constitution mandates a census primarily to ensure fair representation in the House of Representatives, which is directly linked to population. Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution states that representatives shall be apportioned among the states based on their respective populations, as determined by the census conducted every ten years. This population count helps to ensure that districts are representative of the people living within them, maintaining the democratic principle of equal representation.

While the census also has implications for determining presidential electors and can be used for various administrative purposes, its central role in congressional representation is what makes the requirement particularly significant. Accurate population data is essential for the apportionment of representatives, shaping the political landscape and funding allocations at both the state and federal levels. The shift in representation based on population changes is key to reflecting the demographic and population dynamics of the nation over time.