Demographics

Because the United States is a diverse nation, there are many

different political beliefs and behaviors in the United States.

Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution requires a census of the American population every 10 years. The census provides information that allows people to determine the demographics of the population.The census also helps determine representation in Congress. Reapportionment occurs every 10 years as seats in the House of Representatives are allocated based upon the newest census.

The American people have many unique, yet similar characteristics. Because the United States is a nation of immigrants, it can be expected that political values and beliefs in the United States will change.

There have been three significant immigrant waves in United States’ history.

The first major wave of immigrants to the United States came from Northwestern Europe prior to late 19th Century.

The second immigration wave to the United States came from Southern and eastern Europe from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

The third immigration wave to the United States has been the arrival of Hispanics and Asians in the late 20th century.

Census data has led people to predict that by 2060, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans together will outnumber White, Anglo-Saxon Americans. Officials refer to the white, Anglo-Saxon population effected by this shift as the minority majority.

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Historically, Americans have been a mobile people. Until 1920, the majority of Americans lived in rural areas. Since 1920, the majority of Americans live in urban areas. Living in these areas will shape the political beliefs and behaviors of the people. Finally, since World War II, Americans have moved from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt.

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Closely related to the migration that began after World War II, the “baby boom” has resulted in the graying of America. Nationwide, the fastest growing age group in the United States is composed of people over the age of 65. Another reason for the increase in the size of a mature population is because people are living longer in the U.S. In 1942, there were 42 workers per retiree.

By 2020, there will be two working Americans for every one over age 65. The citizens in the retirement age bracket are owed $5 trillion in guaranteed government benefits; they are also eligible for $1 trillion in public pension plans. Because aging baby boomers are one of the most active voting blocks, it is political suicide to consider threatening these funds (or this voting block) for the next couple of decades.

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Source: Government in America, 11th Edition, Pearson/ Longman