The Census - It's In the Constitution

In addition to Thursday being April Fools Day, it's also Census Day in which U.S. citizens are urged to fill out and send in their Census form.

I saw an interesting article about how some on the political right are questioning if the Census is constitutional. The article points out the irony of how by not sending in their Census replies, the very people who currently want change in the government will be minimizing their representation in the government since virtually all forms of legislative districting are proportioned based on population. The article also points out how it's pretty funny that the Census is even being debated as it's so clear that its clear the Federal government is authorized to do it.

I guess this goes to show you the level of paranoia and willful ignorance of a certain element of our citizenry.

For any doubters out there...or as ammo to use when discussing the Census this evening with your "crazy right wing uncle," straight out of Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution...

The actual enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.

Other than some interesting 1700s use of capitalization, that's pretty clear...and it's in the Constitution.

Oh, and that section about "in such manner as they shall by law direct?" The relevant law today is Title 13 of the US Code, and it can be seen HERE