The first United States Census marked a significant milestone in the foundation of the new nation. Enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, the Census was mandated to occur every ten years to provide an accurate count of the population, thus ensuring equitable representation in Congress. Conducted in 1790 under the direction of Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, the task fell to U.S. Marshals, who enlisted assistant enumerators to traverse various regions and gather data from individual households. With about 650,000 residents recorded in this inaugural effort, the Census highlighted how the new republic was both diversely populated and economically varied. The process involved surveying free persons as well as indentured servants but excluded enslaved individuals, who were counted differently for the purposes of representation. This generated significant debates about slavery and states' rights which would echo in the nation’s future politics.

The collection techniques used during the Census were rudimentary compared to modern standards. Marshals requested basic demographic information, concentrating on total population and the number of free whites, slaves, and “other” categories. It was not just a reflection of population numbers but a statement of the republic's evolving federal framework and the essence of democracy. As the results emerged, the need for precise data became clearer, leading to discussions on the representation process and the potential need for future adjustments based on population growth. The results of the first Census cemented the practice within the American political system, establishing a precedent for future censuses and resource allocation.