Is California the most populous state, or is New York?

California a la Juliana
Originally uploaded by trudeau

1. California 37 million
2. Texas 24 million
3. New York 20 million
4. Florida 18 million

US Census Bureau, 2008.

If you're wondering about my emphasis on demographics, may I remind you that heavy population equals political weight and, usually, economic energy. Is it a coincidence that these 3 states have been associated with high educational rankings and high achievement?