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The federal government\'s decennial measurement of our nation's demographics has arrived, bringing the promise of a report of how America's population has grown and shifted over the past ten years.

Census takers began their task this year in the country's northernmost state of Alaska. Short forms are mailed to every household in the country; residents are required by law to fill out pertinent information and mail the forms back to the government.

The current census form is shorter than previous versions. Respondents are asked ten questions regarding household occupational status, the number of occupants per household, and the age of those occupants.

The Census Bureau noted on its blog how explosively the size of our nation's population has grown. Records from the first federal census taken in 1790 gave a total population of 3,929,000 citizens. That is less than the current size of Los Angeles.

The census also has provided an opportunity for local job seekers to earn a small income as a census taker. Potential workers can fill out applications at local census offices, or at job testing sites like the one held on California Baptist University's campus several weeks ago.

Job applicants are tested in several basic skills areas, including map reading. celerical work, and the ability to solve word problems. Bureau workers note that the ability to speak multiple languages is a plus.

Temporary workers often go door- to-door to households that have not mailed back the census forms. Workers ask the same questions on the forms.