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
- The standard divisor is calculated by dividing the total population by the number of seats to be apportioned.
- A standard quota is obtained by dividing the population of each group by the standard divisor.
- Hamilton's method resolves apportionment by initially assigning each group its lower quota and then distributing remaining seats based on the largest fractional remainders.
- Jefferson's method, another apportionment method, uses modified divisors to round down quotas until all seats are allocated.
- 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?
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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
