Nebraska State Senate Overview

Madison Adkins from Ballotpedia discusses the unique aspects of the Nebraska State Senate, which is the only unicameral and non-partisan state legislature in the U.S. Established in 1937, it handles all legislative responsibilities without a separate house. While candidates run without party labels, most have political affiliations, and parties endorse candidates. As of September 2020, the Nebraska State Senate comprised 18 Democrats, 30 Republicans, and one Independent, with Republicans holding the majority since 1999.

What makes the Nebraska State Senate unique compared to other states?

• It has the oldest state senate building.

• It was the first state to have a female senator.

• It has the most members of any state senate.

• It has a unicameral legislature.

When did Nebraska's unicameral legislature first meet?

• 1937

• 1945

• 1934

• 1950

What is one of the responsibilities of the Nebraska State Senate?

• Appointing the governor

• Setting levels on state spending

• Electing the President

• Managing local schools

How do candidates run for elections in the Nebraska State Senate?

• As members of the Democratic Party

• As members of the Republican Party

• As members of the Green Party

• As non-partisans

In which other state do candidates run as non-partisan in special elections?

• Florida

• California

• Mississippi

• Texas

Despite being non-partisan, what do most Nebraska state senators have?

• Affiliations with the Libertarian Party

• No political affiliations

• Affiliations with either the Democratic or Republican Party

• Affiliations with the Green Party

What factors might influence coalition formation in the Nebraska State Senate?

• Weather conditions

• Philosophy of government and geographic background

• Sports team preferences

• Favorite foods

As of September 2020, how many Democrats were in the Nebraska State Senate?

• 18

• 10

• 30

• 25

Since when have Republicans held the majority in the Nebraska State Senate?

• 2005

• 1999

• 2010

• 1995

What is the current political composition of the Nebraska State Senate?

• 20 Democrats, 25 Republicans, 5 Independents

• 18 Democrats, 30 Republicans, 1 Independent

• 10 Democrats, 40 Republicans, 0 Independents

• 15 Democrats, 35 Republicans, 0 Independents