Final answer:
The census, held every ten years, ensures fair political representation and resource allocation, informs redistricting, and aids in understanding consumer production and economic activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The census is conducted every ten years to ensure fair representation in the United States House of Representatives and the equitable distribution of federal resources. The population data collected during the census informs the redrawing of congressional districts, a process known as redistricting. This helps to maintain equal representation by adjusting the number of representatives each state is allocated based on population changes. Furthermore, the census data provides crucial insights for a comprehensive survey of housing, residential finance, and business demographics, which helps the government understand consumer production and economic activity.