Chapter 5: Severing the Bonds of Empire, 1754-1774





The following activities accompany the Legacy for a People and a Nation on "Census and Reapportionment" in Chapter 5. Refer to page 139 of Norton, A People and a Nation, Sixth Edition for the complete text of this Legacy. There are three parts to this web page: Questions to Consider, Investigation, and Further Exploration.




Questions to Consider
1. What groups of people are generally under-counted in census data? What effects come with this under-counting?

2. What seems to guide redistricting today?

3. Look at the 1790 census and the 2000 census. Compare the type of information gathered in each. What do the questions suggest about the varying interests of the U.S. Government?


Investigation
The Inter-university Consoritum for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan offers data on the American economy and U.S. citizens for each state and county from 1790 to 1970, made available in the United States Historical Census Data Browser. This incredible site allows one to query the data by more variable categories than available through the U.S. government. You can, for example, compare data on the size of families over time or by regions, compare the number of slaves by state and county to chart developments, or follow the increase in free “colored” people during the 19th century. The site covers 1790 to 1970 and includes excellent historical background information including Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and information about census adjustments to political requirements and new technologies.

After browsing the available search criteria, select two variables for your home state/county and record the data over thirty year intervals. Write a brief essay addressing what this information suggests about changing societal values and culture?




Further Exploration
1. For more recent U.S. Census data, visit Statistical Abstract of the United States, offered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Don’t forget to visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s home page as well.

2. Mr. Lloyd Krassner has designed a game, "Gerrymandering," with simple setup and rules which illustrates the effects of redistricting upon election outcomes.