Statistics can provide data for making comparisons and determining historical trends. Your argument will in many cases be more convincing if you use statistics to back up what you say.
The United States government is one of the largest publishers of statistical information. Many of its agencies and departments have statistical divisions which regularly publish statistical abstracts and digests of basic socio-economic data about the United States. Following are some important sources of statistical information.
Published since 1878 by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Statistical Abstract presents statistics of the U. S. government as well as some private agencies. It covers social, economic, and political aspects of the country such as population, vital statistics, immigration, education, labor, and transportation. Tables in this book will lead you to statistical publications with more detail.