Political Quotes

“In 1790, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson became the first government official to perform the essential duties laid out in Article One Section Two of the U.S. Constitution. He oversaw a team of marshals, who fanned out across all 13 United States to conduct the very first U.S. census. In those days, it took quite a long time to gather an accurate count and certify the results. But, in many ways, that first census laid the cornerstone of our democracy. It codified the principle that our system of government depends upon accurate representation of the people. And, even today, that's exactly what the census is all about. It determines the size of the House of Representatives, and ensures that congressional districts and electoral votes are distributed accurately. It helps target Federal funding for schools, hospitals, community centers, infrastructure projects, and a whole host of other programs. In short, it helps our government work the way it is intended in each community, so everyone's voice can be heard. It is about nothing less than who we are as a country. It is about enfranchisement, and civic duty, and ensuring the success of the American system of self-government. That is why our Constitution mandates that the census take place every 10 years. And that is why, 220 years after Thomas Jefferson started this tradition, we are once again asking all Americans to stand up and be counted.”