Apportionment problem

Definition

Apportionment problem involves determining how to fairly distribute a fixed number of resources or seats among different groups based on their population sizes. It's a common issue in political representation, such as allocating seats in a legislature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The standard divisor is calculated by dividing the total population by the number of seats to be apportioned.
2. A standard quota is obtained by dividing the population of each group by the standard divisor.
3. Hamilton's method resolves apportionment by initially assigning each group its lower quota and then distributing remaining seats based on the largest fractional remainders.
4. Jefferson's method, another apportionment method, uses modified divisors to round down quotas until all seats are allocated.
5. Apportionment methods can result in paradoxes such as the Alabama Paradox, where increasing the total number of seats results in a group losing a seat.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate the standard divisor in an apportionment problem?
• What is the main difference between Hamilton's and Jefferson's methods?
• Can you explain what an apportionment paradox is and provide an example?

Related terms

Standard Divisor: The total population divided by the number of available seats or resources

Standard Quota: The result of dividing a group's population by the standard divisor

Hamilton's Method: An apportionment method that assigns initial quotas and distributes remaining seats based on largest fractional parts