Nebraska unicameral legislature
The Nebraska unicameral legislature is a unique legislative body established in 1934, following a constitutional amendment approved by voters in response to the challenges of the Great Depression. Unlike most U.S. states, which have a bicameral legislature consisting of both a Senate and a House of Representatives, Nebraska's legislature operates as a single chamber. This change was motivated by a desire to simplify government, reduce costs, and lessen the perceived inefficiencies of a two-house system. Initially comprising 30 members, the legislature has since expanded to 49 seats, making it the smallest state legislature in the United States.
The unicameral structure is designed to minimize legislative gridlock and encourage smoother passage of bills, with candidates running for office without political party affiliation. Although Nebraska's unicameral system has not been adopted by any other state, it has been implemented in various non-state entities. Overall, the Nebraska unicameral legislature remains a distinctive example of an alternative governance structure that reflects the state's commitment to streamlined legislative processes.
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Nebraska unicameral legislature
The Event Nebraska state government’s conversion from a two-chamber to a one-chamber legislature
Date Authorized in November, 1934; first session of revised legislature on January 5, 1937
In an experiment intended to make government more transparent and efficient, Nebraska’s legislature eliminated one of the traditional legislative chambers and required candidates to run for office as nonpartisan candidates. The new legislative form was also more economical, an important consideration during the Great Depression. Since the 1930’s, Nebraska has remained the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature.
In 1934, reeling from the Great Depression and angry at the political system considered responsible for the poor economic condition of the country, voters in Nebraska approved an amendment to the state constitution that revised their state legislature. Instead of the traditional two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, Nebraskans created a smaller body known simply as the state legislature. Several factors drove the change. Antigovernment attitudes ran high because of the seeming inability of the government to alleviate the suffering of the Great Depression, and a smaller state government seemed to be a means of limiting its power. Reducing the size of the government would also lead to lower government costs and a reduced tax burden. Supporters of the measure claimed that having only one house would prevent legislative bickering and facilitate the movement of legislative bills, as would a provision requiring candidates to run for office without stating their political party allegiance.
In November, 1934, a state constitutional amendment effecting the change passed easily and became law despite several legal challenges. In January, 1937, the new legislature opened its first session. The new body was much smaller, reflecting the desire for simpler government. Whereas the last session with the two-chamber legislature had a combined 133 members, the new unicameral legislature had only 30; later, the legislature expanded to 49 seats. Even with the expansion of seats, Nebraska still maintains the smallest state legislature in the country.
Impact
Although the unicameral legislature was held up as a promising new form of government, no other state adopted the system; however, a single-chamber legislature does exist in nonstate entities such as the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. While not a widespread form of government, the unicameral system has functioned well for Nebraska.
Bibliography
Berens, Charlyne. One House: The Unicameral’s Progressive Vision for Nebraska. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2005.
Todd, Tom. Nebraska’s Unicameral Legislature. St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives, 1998.