Should voting be compulsory in Nebraska? What is the role of each of our state’s branches of government? How does a bill become a law? And if the Nebraska Legislature is a one-house body, who plays the role of the “Second House?”
These were just some of the questions Central Valley High School seniors debated on March 19 at the State Capitol as part of their annual Capitol Experience Day. An intensive daylong program tailored for their class, Capitol Experience Day immersed them in the workings of the Capitol and our state’s unique form of government.
Hosted by Civic Nebraska, the program provides a hands-on way for students to get a deep dive into state government in the place where our laws are debated and made. Cougar seniors also interacted with state officials and learned the ins and outs of Nebraska government. And they honed their advocacy, critical thinking, and civil discourse skills by role-playing as senators and citizens at a mock committee hearing.
“This is a great opportunity to see democracy in action, experience the everyday workings of state government, and learn how to participate in our democratic process,” said Kimbrie Vlach, who teaches U.S. government and social studies at Central Valley. “As a teacher, I believe it’s effective because students get to witness it, and then take what they’ve seen and practice it.”
After a short tour, the seniors got a speed history of the statehouse, then looked on as senators engaged in debate on the floor of the Legislature. Inspired by the senators’ interactions, they convened in a Capitol conference room and conducted a mock committee hearing on fictitious “LB2024” – a measure to make voting mandatory in Nebraska.
During the mock hearing, participants role-played as state senators and members of the public – a/k/a, the Second House. The class deliberated the ramifications from different viewpoints and even considered an amendment to the mock bill. Eventually, the students who role-played as senators voted 6-1 to table LB2024.
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