Application of Hamilton’s and divisor methods to degressively proportional allocation functions

Abstract

The most recognizable historically approved methods of proportional division of mandates in collegiate bodies refer to an ideal assumption where each vote is associated with identical number of representatives. Proportional methods of distribution such as Hamilton’s and divisor methods of Jefferson, Adams or Webster cannot be directly applied to the allocation of seats between the Member States in the European Parliament because of the wide variation in their population. A desire to ensure appropriate representation have triggered legal acceptance of degressive proportionality rule contained in the Lisbon Treaty. The new principle, however, does not allow determining an unambiguous solution. The article presents the allocations which can be obtained reaching the classical methods of proportional division, taking into account degressively proportional allocation functions.