Do You Know Your Census History?
Every 10 years, for the past 230 years, the United States has counted its population.
It's a requirement, written into the Constitution. And the first count dates back to the first years of our first president, when U.S. Marshals conducted the census on horseback. It's carried on once a decade since then, as the country has continued to grow, as innovators have found new ways to ensure that everyone is counted.
Now that the 2020 Census is in the books, test your history with this census quiz.
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Question 1 of 8
When was the first U.S. Census conducted?
A: 1790
B: 1820
Correct!
Incorrect.
The first census count was conducted in 1790. The 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the United States has conducted a decennial count.
Question 2 of 8
How many states were counted in the first census?
A: 5
B: 13
Correct!
Incorrect.
The 1790 Census counted 13 states, plus the districts of Kentucky, Maine, and Vermont and the Southwest Territory (which is now Tennessee). The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories.
Question 3 of 8
What year was the census first mailed to all homes?
A: 1920
B: 1960
Correct!
Incorrect.
The 1960 Census was mailed to all homes. Census takers later went from door to door to pick up residents' completed questionnaires. In 2020, for the first time, everyone has the option of responding online.
Question 4 of 8
Which famous figure once served as an expert adviser to the U.S. Census Bureau, preparing a "Report on the Deaf and the Blind"?
A: Alexander Graham Bell
B: Albert Einstein
Correct!
Incorrect.
As a special agent, Alexander Graham Bell played a critical role in helping the 1900 Census more accurately count people who were visually and hearing impaired.
Question 5 of 8
After overseeing the 1820 Census as Secretary of State, which president recommended that the counts should start earlier in the year than August?
A: John Quincy Adams
B: Thomas Jefferson
Correct!
Incorrect.
President John Quincy Adams made the recommendation in an address to Congress in December 1828.
Question 6 of 8
When did the United States population surpass 100 million?
A: 1860
B: 1920
Correct!
Incorrect.
The U.S. registered a total population of 106,021,537 in the 1920 Census. The total population surpassed 200 million in 1970 and 300 million in 2010.
Question 7 of 8
In which census was New York City not the country's most populous city?
A: 1800
B: None
Correct!
Incorrect.
New York City has been the country's most populous city in all 23 prior census counts. Its population in 2010 was 8,175,133, more than twice that of the next most populous city (Los Angeles).
Question 8 of 8
Where did the 2020 Census count officially begin?
A: Toksook Bay, Alaska
B: Wilmington, Delaware
Correct!
Incorrect.
The 2020 count began in remote Alaska to account for travel challenges during the spring months.
Congratulations! You're all done!
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Question 1 of 8
When was the first U.S. Census conducted?
1790
The first census count was conducted in 1790.
The 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the United States has conducted a decennial count.
Question 2 of 8
How many states were counted in the first census?
13
The 1790 Census counted 13 states, plus the districts of Kentucky, Maine, and Vermont and the Southwest Territory (which is now Tennessee).
The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories.
Question 3 of 8
What year was the census first mailed to all homes?
1960
The 1960 Census was mailed to all homes. Census takers later went from door to door to pick up residents' completed questionnaires.
In 2020, for the first time, everyone has the option of responding online.
Question 4 of 8
Which famous figure once served as an expert adviser to the U.S. Census Bureau, preparing a "Report on the Deaf and the Blind"?
Alexander Graham Bell
As a special agent, Alexander Graham Bell played a critical role in helping the 1900 Census more accurately count people who were visually and hearing impaired.
Question 5 of 8
After overseeing the 1820 Census as Secretary of State, which president recommended that the counts should start earlier in the year than August?
John Quincy Adams
President John Quincy Adams made the recommendation in an address to Congress in December 1828.
Question 6 of 8
What year was the census first mailed to all homes?
1960
The 1960 Census was mailed to all homes. Census takers later went from door to door to pick up residents' completed questionnaires.n this case, you would count your mother-in-law when completing the census, as she now lives and sleeps at your home most of the time.
Question 7 of 8
In which census was New York City not the country's most populous city?
None
New York City has been the country's most populous city in all 23 prior census counts. Its population in 2010 was 8,175,133, more than twice that of the next most populous city (Los Angeles).
Question 8 of 8
Where did the 2020 Census count officially begin?
Toksook Bay, Alaska
The 2020 count began in remote Alaska to account for travel challenges during the spring months.
Learn more about why the census starts in Alaska.
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