It wasn't always a unicameral, however. He said the two-house system was outdated, inefficient and unnecessary. The constitutions of our various states are built upon the idea that there is but one class. If this be true, there is no sense or reason in having the same thing done twice, especially if it is to be done by two bodies of men elected in the same way and having the same jurisdiction. The one-house system differs little from most city, county and school district governing bodies.
Most Canadian provinces operate with single-house systems.
Norris's influence, the Depression and the other ballot issues summoned enough supporters for an overwhelming decision to make Nebraska's the only one-house legislature in the nation. The vote was 286,086 for and 193,152 against a unicameral system. A common question regarding unicameralism was how to preserve checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. Norris argued there would be checks and balances without a second house. The Supreme Court and the governor would rule on or veto measures deemed improper, he said.