Unicameral facts for kids

A unicameral system of government is when a country or state has just one main group of people who make laws. This group is often called a legislature or parliament. Think of it as a team with only one part, instead of two.

The word "unicameral" comes from two Latin words: "uni," which means "one," and "camera," which means "chamber" or "room." So, it literally means "one chamber."

In the United States, most states have two groups of lawmakers (this is called a bicameral system). But the state of Nebraska is special because it uses a unicameral system. It's the only U.S. state with just one lawmaking chamber.

What is a Unicameral System?

A unicameral system means that all the lawmakers meet and vote in a single group. There isn't a second group to review or change the laws. This can make the lawmaking process simpler and faster.

How it Works

In a unicameral system, when a new law is proposed, it goes through discussions and votes in that one chamber. Once it passes there, it's usually ready to become a law (after being signed by the leader, like a governor or president). There's no need for a second group to approve it.

Why Some Places Choose One Chamber

• Simplicity: It's easier to understand and manage one group of lawmakers.
• Speed: Laws can be passed more quickly because they don't need to be approved by two different groups.
• Accountability: It's clearer who is responsible for laws, as there's only one group to blame or praise.
• Cost: It can be cheaper to run one chamber instead of two, as you need fewer buildings, staff, and resources.

Unicameral Systems Around the World

While many countries have two chambers, a good number of places use a unicameral system. These often include smaller countries or those with a simpler government structure. For example, countries like Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, and Israel all have unicameral parliaments. This shows that a single-chamber system can work well for many different nations.