Nebraska Constitution Article III (Legislative Power)
Nebraska Constitution – Article III: Legislative Power
Overview:
Article III of the Nebraska Constitution defines the legislative branch of the state government, outlining its powers, structure, and limitations.
Key Provisions:
Unicameral Legislature:
Nebraska has the only unicameral (single-chamber) state legislature in the United States.
The legislature is officially called the “Nebraska Legislature” or simply the “Unicameral.”
Legislative Authority:
The legislature holds all legislative powers of the state.
It enacts laws, levies taxes, and appropriates state funds.
Membership and Terms:
The legislature consists of 49 members, known as senators.
Senators are elected for four-year terms.
There are term limits: no senator may serve more than two consecutive terms.
Nonpartisan Elections:
Elections for Nebraska’s legislature are nonpartisan; candidates do not run as representatives of political parties.
Legislative Sessions:
The constitution specifies the timing and length of legislative sessions.
The legislature meets annually, with longer sessions in odd-numbered years and shorter sessions in even-numbered years.
Legislative Powers and Limits:
The legislature cannot pass ex post facto laws or bills of attainder.
It must adhere to constitutional limits on taxation and appropriations.
Legislative Procedure:
The constitution provides for the organization of the legislature, including the election of a presiding officer (Speaker).
Rules of procedure, quorum requirements, and lawmaking processes are outlined.
Significance:
Nebraska’s unicameral system is unique and designed to be more efficient and transparent than the traditional bicameral legislatures in other states.
Nonpartisan elections aim to reduce partisan gridlock.
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