Solving the generalized apportionment problem through the optimization of discrepancy functions

Abstract

One of the ways to solve the classical apportionment problem (which has been studied chiefly in relation to the apportionment of seats in a chamber of representatives) is the optimization of a discrepancy function; although this approach seems very natural, it has been hardly used. In this paper, we propose a more general formalization of the problem and an optimization procedure for a broad class of discrepancy functions, study the properties of the procedure and present some examples in which it is applied.