The apportionment method used today is the method of equal proportions.
This method was adopted in 1941 and is used to allocate seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on the population of each state.
The method of equal proportions aims to ensure that each representative represents roughly the same number of people, regardless of the state's population size.
This method has been criticized for favoring smaller states, but it remains the standard method used today.
How the Method Works
The method of equal proportions works by calculating a "priority index" for each state. This index is calculated by dividing the state's population by the square root of the number of seats the state already has.
States with higher priority indices receive additional seats before states with lower priority indices.
This process continues until all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are allocated.
Advantages of the Method of Equal Proportions
- Fairness: The method aims to ensure that each representative represents approximately the same number of people, regardless of the state's population size.
- Accuracy: The method is considered to be more accurate than other apportionment methods, such as the Huntington-Hill method.
- Simplicity: The method is relatively easy to understand and implement.
Disadvantages of the Method of Equal Proportions
- Bias: The method can favor smaller states, as they receive additional seats more easily than larger states.
- Complexity: The method can be complex to calculate, especially for larger states.
- Disproportionality: The method can lead to some states having representatives who represent significantly more people than others.
Example
Let's say we have three states with the following populations:
- State A: 100,000 people
- State B: 500,000 people
- State C: 1,000,000 people
Using the method of equal proportions, we would first calculate the priority index for each state.
Assuming each state currently has one representative, the priority indices would be:
- State A: 100,000 / √1 = 100,000
- State B: 500,000 / √1 = 500,000
- State C: 1,000,000 / √1 = 1,000,000
Since State C has the highest priority index, it would receive an additional seat.
Then, the priority indices would be recalculated, and the process would continue until all seats are allocated.
