Editing Highest averages method (section)

===Jefferson (D'Hondt) method===
{{Main article|D'Hondt method}}

[[Thomas Jefferson]] was the first to propose a divisor method, in 1792;<ref name="Pukelsheim-2017-1" /> it was later independently developed by Belgian political scientist [[Victor d'Hondt]] in 1878. It assigns the representative to the list that would be most underrepresented at the end of the round.<ref name="Pukelsheim-2017-1" /> It remains the most-common method for [[proportional representation]] to this day.<ref name="Pukelsheim-2017-1" />

Jefferson's method uses the sequence <math>\operatorname{post}(k) = k+1</math>, i.e. (1, 2, 3, ...),<ref name="Gallagher-1991" /> which means it will always round a party's apportionment down.<ref name="Pukelsheim-2017-1" />

Jefferson's apportionment never falls below the lower end of the [[quota rule|ideal frame]], and it minimizes the worst-case overrepresentation in the legislature.<ref name="Pukelsheim-2017-1" /> However, it performs poorly when judged by most other metrics of proportionality.<ref name="Gallagher-1992" /> The rule typically gives large parties an excessive number of seats, with their seat share often exceeding their entitlement rounded up.<ref name="Balinski-1982" />{{Rp||page=81}}

This [[Pathological (mathematics)|pathology]] led to widespread mockery of Jefferson's method when it was learned Jefferson's method could "round" [[New York (state)|New York]]'s apportionment of 40.5 up to 42, with Senator [[Mahlon Dickerson]] saying the extra seat must come from the "[[Ghosts of departed quantities|ghosts of departed representatives]]".<ref name="Balinski-1982" />{{Rp||page=34}}