George Norris, the founder of Nebraska’s unicameral system, said that the state’s citizens were “the second house of the Legislature.” Participants experience one of the core duties of Nebraska citizenship by participating in a mock committee hearing during Capitol Experience Day.
With guided direction, participants role-play as senators, proponents, and opponents of a real-life bill. This time is dedicated to hearing both sides of a policy proposal and includes personal testimonies and question-and-answer sessions. This fun and engaging exercise, which takes place in the very rooms actual lawmakers consider new bills, develops critical thinking and civil discourse skills.