The US Constitution provides for a census every ten years. Representation in the US House of Representatives is allocated based on the number of people in each state.

All allocation of most federal funds for schools and other public programs are based on the Census. Programs like English-language skills and catch-up programs for new citizens are funded in part based on the census.

NO! The census counts "persons" not citizens. People should respond regardless of their citizenship or residency status. The census is about equity of representation and service. Information is generally NOT shared with other local, state or federal agencies.