"FAIRNESS ISN’T JUST A
WORD — IT’S MATH!"
"Apportionment is the process of dividing and
assigning a fixed number of seats or resources
fairly among different groups based on their
population or size."
FINAL PROJECT IN
MMW
"DIVIDING FAIRLY:
THE ART OF
APPORTIONMENT"
SUBMITTED BY:
Regine Nadal
Ma. Ghiel Mechaela O. Salva
APPORTOIMENT METHOD REFLECTION
Apportionment is the process of dividing and assigning When I first learned about the Apportionment Method, I
resources, such as seats in a legislative body, among was intrigued by how mathematics could be applied in
different groups (usually states, districts, or such a practical and political context. I used to think that
organizations) based on population or other measures. It math was limited to numbers, formulas, and solving
aims to ensure fair and proportional representation. The equations. However, this method opened my eyes to how
main challenge is how to fairly allocate indivisible units math plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness, especially
(like seats) based on fractional data.In a world where in dividing resources or seats among groups.
fairness is often hard to come by, mathematics quietly
offers solutions that shape how we govern and represent As I explored the different apportionment methods—like
people—one of those solutions is the Apportionment Hamilton’s, Jefferson’s, Adams’, and Webster’s—I
Method. realized that each one has its strengths and weaknesses.
Some methods seemed more fair at first glance, but then
But what exactly is apportionment, and why does it I noticed how small differences in numbers could lead to
matter? unexpected results. It made me reflect on how even
mathematical fairness is not always absolute. I had to ask
myself: What does fair really mean?
Apportionment is the process of dividing and
distributing something—in most cases, seats in a
One thing that struck me was the idea of rounding—how
legislative body—among different regions or states based
something so simple could affect representation in such a
on their population size. It ensures that every citizen’s
big way. I saw how this relates to real-world issues, like
voice is fairly represented. Sounds simple? Not quite. The
how seats in a congress or committee are assigned. It
mathematics behind it is both fascinating and complex. made me think about how people might feel if their
region or group was given fewer seats because of the
The Birth of Fair Representation method used.
In the early days of democracy, founding leaders Through this lesson, I didn’t just learn formulas and steps
struggled with the issue of fair representation. Larger —I learned about justice, representation, and the power
states demanded more power due to their population, of math in decision-making. I now appreciate how
while smaller states feared being overshadowed. The important it is to choose the right method for a given
solution? A systematic method of seat allocation that situation, and how mathematics can support democracy
balances population with fairness. and equality.
This is where the apportionment method step in. In the end, studying the Apportionment Method taught
me that math is not just about solving problems on paper
—it’s about solving problems in society.
Hamilton Method (Method of Largest Jefferson Method
Remainders)
A slightly more biased method that favors
This method begins by dividing the total larger states. It uses a modified divisor and
population by the number of seats available to always rounds down, redistributing seats until
find a standard divisor. Each region's the total matches the required number
population is divided by this number to find its
quota, which is then rounded down. The
leftover seats are given to the regions with the
largest decimal remainders.
"Jefferson believed
in proportion, not
perfection—a
reminder that
fairness can be
found in
compromise."
"The Hamilton Method teaches us that
balance isn't always perfect, but it can
still be just."
Adams Method Webster Method
The opposite of Jefferson’s—it favors smaller A compromise between Jefferson and Adams
states by rounding up instead of down. —it rounds quotas to the nearest whole
number
"In Adams' eyes, even the smallest voices "Unlike Hamilton’s method, which can suffer from
deserve to be heard—fairness begins with paradoxes, the Webster Method avoids these by
inclusion." modifying the divisor rather than distributing
remainders."
