A standard divisor is calculated by dividing the total population by the number of seats to be apportioned. It provides a baseline for determining how many people each seat represents in an apportionment scenario.
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The standard divisor is essential for calculating the standard quota.
A smaller standard divisor implies more representatives per person.
It helps ensure proportionality in representation.
Used in various methods of apportionment, including Hamilton's and Jefferson's methods.
The formula is Total Population ÷ Number of Seats.
Review Questions
How do you calculate the standard divisor?
Why is the standard divisor important in apportionment?
What does a change in the standard divisor indicate about representation?
Related terms
Standard Quota: The number of seats a state or group should receive, calculated by dividing its population by the standard divisor.
Apportionment Problem: The challenge of distributing a fixed number of seats among various entities based on their populations.
Hamilton's Method: An apportionment method that involves assigning seats based on quotas and then distributing remaining seats using largest fractional remainders.