Final answer:
The Census is controversial in presidential elections due to its impact on representation and electoral votes. Changes in population can alter the balance of power, and the inclusion of a citizenship question raised concerns about undercounting immigrant communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Census was controversial in the context of presidential elections because it determines the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives. The population count from the Census is used to determine how many representatives each state gets, which ultimately affects the electoral votes in presidential elections. This creates political implications as states with larger populations have more electoral votes and therefore more influence in the election.
For example, if a state's population increases or decreases significantly between Census years, it may gain or lose seats in the House of Representatives. This can impact the balance of power between political parties, as the allocation of seats in the House affects the number of electors in the Electoral College.
In addition, controversy arose around the inclusion of a citizenship question in the 2020 Census. Some argued that it could lead to an undercount of immigrant communities, affecting not only their representation but also the allocation of federal funds for programs and services based on population.
Learn more about Controversy surrounding the Census and its impact on presidential elections.