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April 27, 2021, 10:43 a.m.

How the 2020 census affects Washington’s balance of power

Summary

The first batch of results from the 2020 census count are in. The bureau released state population numbers today and revealed how the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives has been reset for the next decade, and could affect the electoral college.

Five Facts

  • Who is counted in the census?
  • Why is the census important for determining political representation in the U.S.?
  • Why are some states gaining Congressional districts and others losing them?
  • How do census results impact presidential elections?
  • When and how often is the census conducted in the U.S.?

Focus Questions

Do you think the way the U.S. determines presidential elections based on electoral votes is fair? Why or why not? Media literacy: Why do you think this story on the census is focused on political outcomes and not other effects of the census?

For More

Find out more about the Census 2020 by visiting the census official website .

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