History

Questionnaires

Since the first census in 1790, data have been collected from each household using a "schedule" or "questionnaire." Between 1790 and 1820, the U.S. Marshals conducting the census were responsible for supplying paper, ruling each sheet, and writing in headings related to the inquiries asked (i.e., name, age, sex, race, etc.). In 1830, Congress authorized the printing of uniform schedules for use throughout the United States.

In 1940, the census included separate questionnaires to enumerate the population and collect data on the nation’s housing. The 1960 and later questionnaires combined population and housing inquiries into a single questionnaire mailed to each houeshold or completed during an enumerator’s visit.

In 1990 and 2000, the Census Bureau used two questionnaires. The majority of households received a short-form questionnaire asking a minimum number of questions. A representative sample of households received a long-form questionnaire. In addition to all of the questions found on the short-form, the long-form questionnaire included additional inquiries about the household’s personal and housing characteristics.