Excerpt of Congressional Remarks During the Census Debate

Excerpt of Congressional Remarks During the Census Debate

Activity Using this Resource

Authorizing the First Census - The Significance of Population Data

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.

Page Last Revised - March 31, 2026