Government includes the people and resources—as well as departments, agencies, programs, processes, laws, rules, and regulations—that define the relationship between federal, state, and local governments and their citizens. Some legal principles have a unique application when private citizens or entities interact with their governments.
In Nebraska, the government structure is defined by the state constitution, which establishes the relationship between the state and its citizens, as well as between different levels of government. This includes the division of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches at the state level, and the delineation of powers and responsibilities between state and local governments. Federal laws and the U.S. Constitution also play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the federal government and the citizens of Nebraska. Legal principles such as sovereign immunity may limit the circumstances under which a government entity can be sued. Additionally, administrative law governs the interactions between individuals and government agencies, including rulemaking, enforcement of regulations, and adjudication of disputes. Public records laws ensure government transparency and accountability, while election laws regulate the democratic process. When private citizens or entities interact with the government, they must navigate a complex web of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents that govern these interactions.