Lower quota

Definition

A lower quota is the smallest whole number of seats a state or party should receive based on its proportion of the total population or votes in an apportionment method. It is calculated using the standard divisor and typically represents a minimum allocation before any adjustments are made.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lower quota is determined by rounding down the standard quota to the nearest whole number.
2. It ensures that each group receives at least this minimum number of seats.
3. Lower quotas can sometimes lead to discrepancies in apportionment, known as quota violations.
4. In some methods like Hamilton's method, additional seats are allocated after calculating the lower quotas to achieve fairness.
5. The sum of all lower quotas may not equal the total number of available seats, necessitating further adjustments.

Review Questions

• How is the lower quota calculated in apportionment methods?
• What issue can arise when using only lower quotas for seat allocation?
• Which apportionment method uses both lower quotas and additional allocations to distribute remaining seats?

Related terms

Standard Quota: The exact fractional number of seats a group should receive based on its proportion of the population or votes.

Hamilton's Method: An apportionment method that first assigns each state its lower quota and then distributes any remaining seats based on largest fractional parts.

Quota Violation: Occurs when an apportionment result gives a group fewer than its lower quota or more than its upper quota.