Authorizing the First Census - The Significance of Population Data

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Authorizing the First Census - The Significance of Population Data

Activity Description

hh3_160

Students will analyze excerpts from the 1790 legislation that allowed for the administration of the first decennial census and from the congressional debate on the matter to increase their understanding of the political, economic, and social changes that took place after the American Revolution. They will also use this context to consider the challenges of collecting census data today.

Suggested Grade Level

11-12

Approximate Time Required

45-60 minutes

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to understand primary sources.
  • Students will be able to identify and explain the short- and long-term impact of the 1790 act authorizing the census.

Materials Required

  • The student version of this activity, 7 pages

Activity Items

The following items are part of this activity. Items, their sources, and instructions for viewing them online appear at the end of this teacher version.

  • Chapter II – An Act Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States
  • Excerpt of Congressional Remarks During the Census Debate

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Teacher Notes

Blooms Taxonomy

Understanding
Blooms Taxonomy

Students will understand some of the challenges of running a centralized government.

Subject

High School History

Topics

  • American Revolution
  • Early Republic

Skills Taught

  • Examining primary sources
  • Making comparisons
Page Last Revised - October 31, 2022