Final answer:
The apportionment problem deals with rounding standard quotas into whole numbers so that the sum matches the total number of seats available, typically in the context of allocating seats in the House of Representatives among states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The apportionment problem is concerned with the task of dividing something, such as representation among states, into whole numbers. This method needs to ensure that the total sum of the apportioned parts equals the total number to be distributed. In the context of the question, the answer is d. Quotas. The standard divisor method involves dividing the total population by the number of seats to get a standard quota, which then needs to be rounded to whole numbers for each state while still ensuring that the total number of seats matches the required number in the House of Representatives.
It's important to understand that apportionment in the historical context relates to the number of Representatives as described in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. This relates to how representation in the House and direct taxes are distributed based on state populations, accounting for changes such as the three-fifths compromise and later amendments that have altered the way populations are counted.