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Unicameral Legislature

Unicameral Legislature. History of the Unicameral. Unicameral means a one-house legislature. Basic Job is to make laws. Nebraska is the only state to have a unicameral. All other states have a house of representatives and a senate just like our national legislature. George Norris.

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Unicameral Legislature

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  1. Unicameral Legislature

  2. History of the Unicameral • Unicameral means a one-house legislature. • Basic Job is to make laws. • Nebraska is the only state to have a unicameral. • All other states have a house of representatives and a senate just like our national legislature.

  3. George Norris • George William Norris was responsible for creating the unicameral. • campaigned across Nebraska to promote the unicameral idea. • In 1937 Nebraska officially went from a bicameral legislature to a unicameral.

  4. Benefits to a Unicameral System • Benefits: • It is less expensive to operate a unicameral. • It is easier for people to understand. • It is more open and accountable to the public. • Nonpartisan- when senators are elected their party affiliation is not place on the ballot. • This allows senators to focus on the needs of the voters rather than their party affiliation.

  5. Criticisms of a Unicameral System • The main criticism of a unicameral system is that with only one house there would be fewer checks on power and the legislature could create unfair laws.

  6. How do we check the power of a unicameral? • Citizens have the right to vote for members of the legislature. • The Nebraska Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. • The Governor can veto bills. • Each bill gets a public hearing • Bills can contain only ONE subject • Must be at least 5 days between a bills introduction and it’s passage

  7. Senators • Nebraska lawmakers in the unicameral are called Senators. • Paid 12,000 a year • There are 49 state senators in the unicameral • Serve a 4 year term • 2 term limit (may sit out for one term & then run again) • Qualifications: • 21 years old • Be a registered voter • Live in the district you will represent for 1 year -- Never been convicted of a felony Sen. Tony Fulton District 29

  8. Governor • The Governor is the Chief Executive of Nebraska. • He has the power to suggest laws and veto bills. Pete Rickkets

  9. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 1: Introduction • The bill must start as an idea and a senator must agree to sponsor the bill. • The senator will then introduce the bill by giving it to the clerk. • The clerk will read the title of the bill into record, give the bill a number, and print copies of the bill for use.

  10. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 2: Committee • The bill is assigned a committee and debated. • The committee also holds public trials to here what citizens think of the bill. • If the committee approves the bill moves on.

  11. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 3: General File • The general file is the first time the full legislature has the opportunity to debate and vote on the bill. • The bill needs a majority vote or 25 votes to move on.

  12. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 4: Select File • The select file is the second time the full legislature has the opportunity to debate and vote on the bill. • The bill needs a majority vote or 25 votes to move on.

  13. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 5: Final Reading • The final reading is when the clerk reads the bill in full including any amendments that have been made into the record. • The bill can not be debated or changed during this stage. • The bill is voted on again for final passage.

  14. How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral • STEP 6: Governor • If the bill passes then it is sent to the governor. • If the governor signs the bill or takes no action within 5 days the bill becomes law. • The governor may also line-item veto or veto specific parts of the bill. • It takes 30 votes to override a veto.

  15. Effective Dates of Laws • Most laws go into effect 3 months after the legislature Adjourns. • Emergency Clause – states that bills can go into effect immediately. • Referendum – the bill will be put on the ballot and the people will decided to pass it or not.

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