The 1990 census: how good is it?

"This article evaluates the 1990 [U.S.] census in light of its constitutional functions and the demographic history of the United States. It provides some principles which may be used to judge the quality and adequacy of the census." The focus is on the importance of the accuracy of census data for the reapportionment of Congress and of state and local legislative bodies, and for estimating the number of residents in poor inner-city neighborhoods.