Actually, the census bureau is a very important department. Although it could use an overhaul, like everything else in the government, it is the statistics gathered and analyzed by the bureau that determines everything from the apportionment of federal funds to representation. There has to be a record of how many people live somewhere and at least a rough idea of the size, age range and income of households. Otherwise, well, we could all yell yea or nay next friday at 1:00PM EST.
I've heard people say they didn't want to participate in the census because they didn't want the government to know anything about them which is stunning - (the kindest word I can think of). The census doesn't care who people are, it cares what people are and many of them there are. It's interesting that it seems those most vocal about not participating in the census are often the same people quite vocal in their opposition to whatever administration is currently running the show. Wake up kiddies! If you don't count, your vote might ultimately not count, since you have chosen not to prove you exist.
Under Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, seats in the House of Representatives are apportioned among the states by population, as determined by the census conducted every ten years. Each state, however, is entitled to at least one Representative.
Rawr.
Just so you know, I only post information, I have no opinion one way or the other, except I really like the idea of an Existentialist Party.
I'm sure that dime is worth more now than it was before the 
