The Nebraska Unicameral
In Nebraska we have one of the most beautiful and unique forms of government in the United States. We have a one-house, non-partisan legislature. It is called a “Unicameral” legislature and we are the ONLY one in the country.
Non-partisanship is in our DNA. In our elections, one’s party affiliation is NOT listed on the ballot for Legislature. In our primaries, the two candidates who receive the most votes face each other in the general election (regardless of party). Independents are therefore not locked out of the process.
Unlike other states, there are NO party caucuses. Nebraska's legislative leadership is not based on party affiliation.
Our deliberately non-partisan Unicameral was conceived by Republican Nebraska Senator George Norris.
George Norris, US Senator & Congressman from Nebraska.
In office 1903-1943
Norris put the Unicameral on the ballot by petition. Thanks to his efforts, it passed then was implemented in 1937. Previously, Nebraska was a partisan body but Norris FOUGHT for this nonpartisan structure.
Norris railed against corruption. He argued that a one-house body would allow senators to concentrate on local interests WITHOUT being influenced by the dictates of national political parties. In his own words:
“Men in legislatures, elected on a partisan platform, are inclined to follow the bidding and dictates of party machines and party bosses"
Norris was a staunch supporter of FDR’s New Deal programs and was the prime Senate mover behind the Rural Electrification Act which brought electrical service to underserved and unserved rural areas across the United States. A bronze bust of George Norris adorns the hallway outside the main legislative body, the “Norris Chamber.”
George Norris bucked party orthodoxy, was a bold proponent of bipartisanship and truly cared about people. It is in his tradition that I define what it means to be a Republican.
Inside the “Norris Chamber” of the Nebraska Legislature.