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Parametric vs. divisor methods of apportionment

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Abstract

This paper formulates a new criterion that distinguishes the set of parametric methods within the set of all the divisor methods of apportionment. The criterion—that a method transfer seats as it “should”—asks that as population (or the votes of parties in a PR system) is shifted more and more from one state to another state (from one party to another party) at some point the first state (or party) is apportioned one less seat, the second state (or party) one more seat, and the remaining apportionments are as they were. It goes on to examine several properties of parametric methods.

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Notes

  1. The apportionment populations are those reported in Balinski and Young (1982).

References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. École Polytechnique and CNRS, Paris, France

    Michel Balinski

  2. University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Victoriano Ramirez

Authors
  1. Michel Balinski
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  2. Victoriano Ramirez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michel Balinski.

Additional information

Dedicated with respect and affection to the memory of our esteemed friend and colleague Bruno Simeone.

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Balinski, M., Ramirez, V. Parametric vs. divisor methods of apportionment. Ann Oper Res 215, 39–48 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-012-1120-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-012-1120-7

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