Why a census? The United States Constitution commands it. Article 1, Section 2, says, "Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers. ... The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct."

The ins and outs of the 2000 census figures

How is it used?

The primary function of the census is to determine how many seats each state may claim in the House of Representatives. The 2000 census determined that Colorado is entitled to seven of the 435 seats in the House. That's an increase of one seat for the state. Generally, Southern and Western states gained seats at the expense of Northeastern and Midwest states.

Over the decades, the census also has become a tool for planning. Government agencies use the census for tasks ranging from planning schools and building roads to providing recreation and managing health care. More than $185 billion in federal money is distributed to states and cities each year based on their census numbers.

What information has been released?

The 2000 census figures released Monday contain population counts for Colorado's 63 counties, its 269 cities and towns, its 1,062 census tracts and for each of the 150,262 census "blocks" that make up the tracts.

The figures come in two varieties: population by race and population by Hispanic ethnicity. And each of those varieties comes in two slices: total population and adult population.

It's just enough information for state lawmakers to redraw congressional and state legislative districts. The General Assembly must complete the redistricting in time for the 2002 elections.

What information is yet to come?

Lots. In the summer, the Census Bureau will release information collected on the "short form" that six of every seven households filled out in April 2000. It includes data on family relationships within households, specific ages and homeownership. Next fall or winter, the bureau will release information collected on the "long form" that one of every seven households filled out. It includes data on income, education, and employment, and more about homeownership.