Thomas Jefferson (founder of the census in the U.S.)

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, played a key role in establishing the national census. He recognized the importance of accurate population data for effective governance, representation, and resource allocation. In 1790, he oversaw the first U.S. census, which systematically counted every person living in the country. This census laid the foundation for understanding the nation’s demographics and ensured fair political representation. Jefferson’s emphasis on data collection helped shape how the U.S. gathers and uses population information, making the census a vital tool for planning and decision-making in the country.