With an extremely right-wing state government and
population, it is surprising that the bill was passed. However, this is an
excellent illustration of the importance of trusteeship democracy. With careful
deliberation by State Legislation, lawmakers were able to come to a conclusion
outside of their party’s political views. Though the State Legislation stated
they were not protecting the undocumented immigrants but the neutral fetuses,
it evidences the importance and power of a neutral body working toward the
common good. Had the decision been based on plebiscitary or classical
democracy, bill 599 would have been denied, as Gov. Heineman’s veto message sentiments reflect that of the public's about the bill.
The bill’s passage highlights the importance of
institutional checks and balances at the state level. In this instance, the legislative check
protected the neutral fetal minority that has no political voice and is often
left out of consideration during policy discussion. The legislative decision
defended the minority from factions’ narrow self-interests in the protection of
Nebraska from becoming an immigrant magnet.
This surprising passage of Bill 599 contradicts the haunting
theme of polarization that we have been studying. Despite the shared party
affiliation, the Governor and State Legislation have very different views of
the bill. The newly visible Republican belief spectrum comes as a relief. Is
there still hope that America is not governed by polarization, but by
compromise and the common good?
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