The US constitution authorizes the federal government to conduct an enumeration (census) every ten years. However, nothing in the constitution authorizes government to ask questions beyond a headcount. And even that is authorized only once every ten years. But the American Community Survey is conducted annually, and it asks for personal information that goes far beyond what is needed for the enumeration.

There is an example questionnaire provided at [link edited for length]

Specifically, it asks questions about;

Race of residents,

Hispanic Origin of residents,

Type of home construction,

Age of home,

Land area of lot home is built on,

Sales figures for agricultural products produced on the property,

Type of plumbing in the home,

Number of cars, vans and trucks kept at the home,

Type of fuel used for heating the home,

Cost of electricity, gas, water and sewer used at the home,

If food stamps were used in the home,

Ownership of home,

Rent,

Market value of house,

Real Estate taxes,

Insurance payments for property,

Mortgage payment,

Citizenship,

Level of education,

Disabilities,

Employment status,

Employment address,

How do you get to work?

What time do you leave for work?

Employer,

Business type,

Type of work,

Wages, salary, commissions, bonuses and tips.

As you can see these questions have little to do with the enumeration required by the constitution. Under the tenth amendment the federal government only has the powers given to it by the constitution. But no section of the constitution authorizes government to ask such invasive questions. The questionnaire also violates the privacy rights protected by the fourth Amendment. And the fine for refusing to answer is now $5000. So citizens who refuse to comply with this unconstitutional survey will be subject to a $5000 fine. It sounds outrageous to me. What do you think?