1. The problem asks: What is the quota criterion and why are violations of it considered unfair? 2. The quota criterion in apportionment states that the number of seats assigned to each state should be its standard quota rounded either up or down to the nearest integer. 3. This means each state should receive a number of seats close to its exact proportional share (the standard quota). 4. Violations of this criterion are considered unfair because a state can end up with fewer seats than it deserves or more seats at the expense of another state, disrupting fair representation. 5. Among the given options, option C correctly states the quota criterion and the reason why violations are unfair. Final answer: C. For a fair apportionment, the number of seats assigned to each state should be its standard quota rounded either up or down to the nearest integer. Violations of this criterion are considered unfair because a state can end up with less seats than they should or more seats at the expense of another state.