Apportionment Methods

Chapter Two

Hamilton's Method

Lowndes's Method

Jefferson's Method
Find a divisor such that when each state's modified quota is rounded down, the correct number of seats has been distributed.


Threshold divisor for n seats under Jefferson's Method = State¢s population
n

Webster's Method
Find a divisor such that when each state's modified quota is rounded naturally, the correct number of seats has been distributed.


Threshold divisor for n seats under Webster's Method = State¢s population
n-0.5

Hill-Huntington Method
Find a divisor such that when each state's modified quota is rounded according to the Hill-Huntington rounding rules, the correct number of seats has been distributed.

Hill-Huntington rounding rules: If a state's quota falls between the whole numbers and n, the cutoff point for rounding is
H =   _____
Ö(n-1)n.
 
If the quota is below H, it is rounded down; otherwise, it is rounded up.


Threshold divisor for n seats under the Hill-Huntington Method = State¢s population
  _____
Ö(n-1)n


From a handout provided by Scotty Thompson.
Website maintained by Andy Long. Comments appreciated.