Alabama paradox
Definition
The Alabama paradox occurs when an increase in the total number of available items (such as legislative seats) results in a loss of one item for a particular group, despite no changes in the group's size. This counterintuitive result can happen in certain apportionment methods used to distribute resources or political representation.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The Alabama paradox was first discovered during the U.S. Census of 1880.
- It specifically arises in some methods of apportionment, such as Hamilton's method.
- The paradox illustrates flaws in certain mathematical approaches to fair distribution.
- An increase in total seats can lead to fewer seats for a state or group under this paradox.
- It emphasizes the challenges and complexities involved in creating fair apportionment systems.
Review Questions
- What is the Alabama paradox and how does it occur?
- Which apportionment method is most commonly associated with the Alabama paradox?
- Why is the Alabama paradox significant when discussing fairness in resource distribution?
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Related terms
Hamilton's Method: A method of apportionment that assigns seats based on exact quotas but can result in anomalies like the Alabama paradox.
Apportionment: The process of distributing resources, often legislative seats, among various groups or regions based on specified criteria.
Quota Rule: A principle stating each group's share should be close to its proportionate share, typically rounded up or down to whole numbers.
