Understanding the U.S. Census
This 1-page reading passage explains the U.S. Census, its constitutional basis, and its impact on representation and redistricting. It also introduces key concepts like reapportionment, gerrymandering, and the landmark Baker v. Carr Supreme Court case, suitable for advanced high school students.
“I need a powerpoint going over these things Census – process by which the government counts its people Article 1, Section 2 “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…” Purpose – determine changes in representation numbers for each state Redistricting/Re-apportionment – States have broad powers to set congressional districts. Census data can be used to determine changes to district boundaries. Gerrymandering- the process of drawing district lines to establish voter dominance to a political party. SERIOUS effect on elections and political control. Baker v. Carr, 1962 – established the right of federal courts to review redistricting issues, which had previously been termed “political questions” outside the courts’ jurisdiction. TN case. Paved the way for the one man, one vote standard of American democracy. The early 1900s saw both population increases and rapid urban migration in America. In Tennessee, while people flocked to cities like Memphis, but the legislative districts stayed the same. Although more people were voting in urban areas, they still had the same amount of political representation as rural districts with significantly fewer residents. In 1960, roughly two-thirds of Tennessee’s representatives were being elected by one-third of the state’s population. A group of urban voters including Memphis resident Charles Baker sued Tennessee Secretary of State Joseph Carr for more equal representation. In a 6-2 decision, Justice William Brennan wrote for the majority that the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause was valid grounds to bring a reapportionment lawsuit. This decision opened the floodgates for similar lawsuits that redrew election maps around the country.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this passage as an introduction to civics or government lessons, or as a supplemental reading for U.S. History.
- Discussion question: How might gerrymandering affect the daily lives of citizens in a state?
- For struggling readers, pre-teach vocabulary such as 'enumeration,' 'reapportionment,' and 'gerrymandering.'
- Advanced students can research current redistricting controversies or the history of census-taking in the U.S.
- Estimated time: 30-45 minutes.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“I need a powerpoint going over these things Census – process by which the government counts its people Article 1, Section 2 “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…” Purpose – determine changes in representation numbers for each state Redistricting/Re-apportionment – States have broad powers to set congressional districts. Census data can be used to determine changes to district boundaries. Gerrymandering- the process of drawing district lines to establish voter dominance to a political party. SERIOUS effect on elections and political control. Baker v. Carr, 1962 – established the right of federal courts to review redistricting issues, which had previously been termed “political questions” outside the courts’ jurisdiction. TN case. Paved the way for the one man, one vote standard of American democracy. The early 1900s saw both population increases and rapid urban migration in America. In Tennessee, while people flocked to cities like Memphis, but the legislative districts stayed the same. Although more people were voting in urban areas, they still had the same amount of political representation as rural districts with significantly fewer residents. In 1960, roughly two-thirds of Tennessee’s representatives were being elected by one-third of the state’s population. A group of urban voters including Memphis resident Charles Baker sued Tennessee Secretary of State Joseph Carr for more equal representation. In a 6-2 decision, Justice William Brennan wrote for the majority that the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause was valid grounds to bring a reapportionment lawsuit. This decision opened the floodgates for similar lawsuits that redrew election maps around the country.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this passage as an introduction to civics or government lessons, or as a supplemental reading for U.S. History.
- Discussion question: How might gerrymandering affect the daily lives of citizens in a state?
- For struggling readers, pre-teach vocabulary such as 'enumeration,' 'reapportionment,' and 'gerrymandering.'
- Advanced students can research current redistricting controversies or the history of census-taking in the U.S.
- Estimated time: 30-45 minutes.
Understanding the U.S. Census
This 1-page reading passage explains the U.S. Census, its constitutional basis, and its impact on representation and redistricting. It also introduces key concepts like reapportionment, gerrymandering, and the landmark Baker v. Carr Supreme Court case, suitable for advanced high school students.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free