Final answer:
The census is a decennial survey that gathers detailed demographic and household information, crucial for government planning and resource distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The census, which is conducted every 10 years, collects detailed information on individual and household characteristics such as race, gender, age, marital status, and diseases. This extensive survey serves multiple purposes, including supporting government functions like the apportionment of congressional representatives and the distribution of federal resources.
For example, the United States government has been conducting the national census every 10 years since 1790, making it a vital tool for demographic research, sociological data, and economic planning.