Census
A procedure of systematically acquiring information about the members of a given population
Real World Example
In the Roman Empire, the census was crucial for managing the vast territories and populations under its control. It was used to determine tax obligations, military service requirements, and political representation, ensuring that resources were allocated fairly and efficiently. This process responded to the need for organized governance and helped maintain order within the empire. Today, the concept of the census remains important as it provides vital information for planning public services like schools, hospitals, and transportation. For example, if a community is shown to have grown significantly in a recent census, the government might allocate more funds to build a new school to accommodate more students.