The Nebraska Pipeline Power Struggle of 2012
In 2012, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed legislation that transferred the authority to approve the Keystone XL pipeline route from the Public Service Commission to the executive branch. This move…
The Remonstrance of 1804: A Constitutional Crisis in the New West
In 1804, residents of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory challenged the federal government's plan to govern them through the Indiana Territory. This protest, known as the Remonstrance of the…
The Prairie Shift: South Dakota’s New Deal Realignment of 1934
In 1934, South Dakota experienced a historic political realignment as New Deal Democrats seized control of the state legislature. This shift in the United States Great Plains region allowed Governor…
The 1987 North Dakota Budget Crisis: Executive Power in the Face of Taxpayer Revolt
In 1987, North Dakota Governor George Sinner utilized broad executive powers to manage a massive budget shortfall after voters rejected legislatively approved tax increases. This event in the United States…
The Great Plains Ballot Battle: North Dakota’s Voter ID Conflict
In the mid-2010s, North Dakota enacted a strict voter identification law that required residents to provide a current residential street address. This policy sparked a significant civil rights legal battle…
The Red Wave of 2010: Oklahoma’s Total Realignment
In 2010, Oklahoma experienced a historic political realignment as the Republican Party gained control of every statewide office and both chambers of the legislature. This shift marked the end of…
The Agrarian Revolt: How the Nonpartisan League Remade North Dakota
The Nonpartisan League (NPL) transformed North Dakota's political landscape during the Progressive Era by seizing control of the Republican primary. This movement led to the creation of unique state-owned institutions…