Nevada

D

Annual Events

Although the entire state celebrates Nevada Day, commemorating the state’s admission to the union on October 31, 1864, the major Nevada Day event is a parade held in Carson City on the last Friday of October. The history of Nevada is highlighted by many local festivals, such as the Virginia City International Camel Races, in September, which includes a parade with camels, ostriches, and water buffalo. Las Vegas revives the spirit of the Old West with rodeos, costumes, and pageants during Helldorado Days in May. Frontier traditions are also upheld during Basque festivals in Reno, in August, and Elko, in July; the Nevada Indian Days Pow Wow in Fallon, in July; and at many fairs and rodeos elsewhere. Reno hosts the livestock events and popular midway of the Nevada State Fair in August. Sky diving and other stunts are performed at the National Championship Air Races in Reno in September. Among the major cultural events are an arts festival, a music festival, and a Shakespeare festival held along Lake Tahoe in summer. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which convenes each January at Elko, regularly draws thousands of poets and poetry admirers.

VII

Government

Nevada is governed under its original constitution adopted in 1864, as amended. An amendment to the constitution may be proposed by a constitutional convention, by the legislature, or by initiative. In the latter two cases, the amendment must be approved by a majority of the people voting on the issue in a general election in order to be ratified.

A

Executive

The executive branch is headed by the governor and lieutenant governor, who are elected for four-year terms, as are also the secretary of state, attorney general, controller, and treasurer. There are about 20 other elected officials.

B

Legislative

The legislature consists of an Assembly and a Senate. Senators are elected for four years, and Assembly members for two years. Regular sessions of the legislature convene in January of odd-numbered years. The governor has the power to call the legislature into special session. The governor may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

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C

Judicial

The judiciary is headed by a supreme court composed of a chief justice and associate justices, who are elected for six years. In addition, there are district judges, elected for six-year terms, and a number of justices of the peace, also elected for four-year terms. There are municipal courts in some cities. All judges in Nevada are elected on a nonpartisan basis.