Unit
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Importance of Debates
Learn about State debates, their purpose, what the electorate can learn from a debate, and how the media prepares to moderate a debate.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
14. The Floor: What is Caucus?
Learn what a caucus is and how lawmakers negotiate and prepare bills behind the scenes in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Legislative Committees
How do legislative committees shape lawmaking in Washington State? Learn how bills move, change, or die in committee.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Five O’Clock Bill
Learn what a “5 o’clock bill” is and how deadlines, debate, and strategy shape Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Finding Common Ground
Examine different ways that tribal nations, the Washington State government, and other stakeholders have come together to navigate conflict.
Lesson Plan
Connection to Place – Civic Skills
Author Sheryl Harmer uses empathy to connect to place and gain perspective. She shares how this is essential for democracy.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on two important policies regarding partisanship and elections.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
NTIB – Necessary To Implement the Budget
Learn what NTIB bills are and why some Washington State legislation can bypass standard cutoff deadlines.
Discussion Questions
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
5. The Legislative Process
Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
The Medicine Creek Treaty, 1854-Present
Explore the Medicine Creek Treaty and its lasting impact on Native communities in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Electing Judges in Washington State
In Washington state, judges and justices are elected through non-partisan elections. How can voters learn what these candidates believe?
Discussion Questions
Superior Court – WA Courts
Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial system.
Discussion Questions
Teaching – Civic Skills
Teacher James Nau fosters civic collaboration amongst his students and introduces them to the tools to connect and contribute.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Agency and Leadership – Civic Skills
Steve Boyd created a program training youth to take civic action. He helps youth learn to lead and shape their community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Inaugural Addresses
Washington’s 2025 legislative opening ceremonies, including swearing-in, Gov. Inslee’s final address, and Gov. Ferguson’s inaugural.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate 2025)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Washington’s Legislative Branch
This legacy video explains: How does Washington State’s legislative branch function? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress.
Discussion Questions
Institutional Mission – Civic Skills
Director Bob Davidson centered the Seattle Aquarium on a clear mission, helping to lead the institution through years of community growth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Governor and how the office leads, implements laws, and works across government.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
How to Find Videos on TVW.org
Learn how to search for Washington State legislative videos on TVW.org and find bill hearings step by step.
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
How to Watch a Televised Debate
Improve your debate analysis skills by learning note-taking techniques that help track and evaluate arguments.
Discussion Questions
Natural History – Civic Skills
Writer David B. Williams connects people to place through natural history. His writings reveal the local environment through a civic lens.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Second Half
Learn how bills move through the second chamber in Washington State and why amendments and timing shape their chances of passing.
Discussion Questions
Attorney General
Learn the role of Washington State’s Attorney General and how the office represents and protects the public.
Lesson Plan
What Happens After You’re Arrested?
Learn what happens after an arrest in Washington State, from arraignment through sentencing.
Discussion Questions
9. Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee controls which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Supreme Justice
Explore Washington’s Supreme Court through the landmark Gardner v. Loomis case in this Emmy-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Writing an Op-Ed – Civic Skills
Seattle Times writer, Melissa Davis highlights Op-Eds in civic life and how writing and reading are important for civic engagement.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Prime Sponsorship
Learn how prime sponsors support bills in Washington State and why strong backing is key to passing legislation.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2025)
Explore youth care policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
More Than Their Crimes: Reforming Juvenile Justice in Washington State
Explore juvenile justice reform in Washington State and youth voices behind SB 6160 at Green Hill School.
Discussion Questions
10. Public Comment
Learn how public input influences legislation in Washington State through testimony, letters, and civic engagement.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish)
Civics 101 explains how government works, citizen rights, and public policy at local, state, and national levels.
Multiple Videos
Unit
The Rule of Law and State Courts
This 4 day lesson plan examines the role of state courts in preserving democracy and what types of cases each court level hears.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
How are Parenting Plans Decided?
Learn how parenting plans are decided in Washington State and what judges consider in family court cases.
Discussion Questions
Labor Council COPE Convention
Candidate Endorsements: how do they really work? Understand the role that the unions can play in an election.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Public Testimony
Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Mainstream Republicans Conference
See how WAs Mainstream Republican Conference acts as a think tank and forum for focusing on political party interests and endorsements.
Lesson Plan
SERIES
On The Issues – Q&A
Legislative Pages research current issues legislative committees are working on and bring those questions to committee leadership.
Multiple Videos
Balancing Security and Access
In the United States, each state conducts their elections slightly differently, learn how WA ensures the integrity of its voting process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Governor’s Desk
Learn the governor’s role in Washington State lawmaking, including signing, vetoing, or allowing bills to become law.
Discussion Questions
Prosecutor vs. Public Defender?
Learn the roles of prosecutors and public defenders and how they work together in Washington State’s justice system.
Discussion Questions
Meeting leg.wa.gov
Take a tour of leg.wa.gov and learn how to find bills, calendars, and ways to engage with Washington State’s legislature.
Unit
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Capitol Classroom Highlights
Explore highlights from Capitol Classroom and learn about Washington State’s legislative process from volunteer lobbyists.
Multiple Videos
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Community Based Florist – Civic Skills
Florist Katie Watkins uses her business to support the local economy. She fosters civic connection and stewards community connection.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
Participating in the Legislative Process
Learn how Washington residents can influence lawmaking through testimony, advocacy, and connecting with legislators.
Discussion Questions
15. The Floor: Big Changes Happen
Learn how major changes can happen to bills on the floor and how amendments can shape outcomes in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Amendments Happen – Tech For Teens
Learn how amendments shape bills in Washington State and how changes are made before a full chamber vote.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Legislative Branch Explained
Explore how laws are made in Washington State—from bill introduction to final vote—while learning how citizens can engage.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
How To Get Legal Advice?
Learn how to get legal advice in Washington State and understand your right to an attorney in civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
16. The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets and how lawmakers plan and fund government priorities.
Discussion Questions
Planting a Garden – Civic Skills
Marshall Davidson shows how gardening empowers curiosity, community pride, environmental awareness, and a sense of civic belonging.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
6. What is a Lobbyist?
Learn what a lobbyist is and how they influence the legislative process in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Visual Storytelling – Civic Skills
Filmmaker Derek Bradfield Nguyen uses visual storytelling to show how people live in community, building civic familiarity.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
2026 General Election Look Ahead
There are many significant statewide races on every Washingtonian’s ballot - get the over view on what to watch for this General Election!
Discussion Questions
Passing Legislation – Civic Skills
Former legislator Tana Senn explains passing legislation as a civic skill. Engaging stakeholders changes policy and impacts communities.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Redistricting in Washington State
Examine legislative redistricting in Washington State and how the bipartisan redistricting committee works and the power of court challege.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Supporting Small Businesses – Civic Skills
Chris Maykut supports small businesses in Seattle. He fosters communication and mutuality while strengthening the neighborhood’s civic core.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Ballot Hand Recounts
See how WA State's ballot recall is resolved through the 2024 Lands Commissioner race mandatory recount, and the oversight involved.
Discussion Questions
Conference Committees
Learn how conference committees help resolve differences between House and Senate bills in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Fines & Fees
Explore fines and fees in Washington State courts and how policies have changed for civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Education (2025)
This 20 min lesson explores where the Majority and Minority Parties stand on two policies regarding Early Learning and K12 Education.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
7. Policy Committees
Learn how policy committees work in Washington State and how bills move through hearings and executive sessions.
Discussion Questions
Organizing – Civic Skills
Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Party Conventions Unit
In this jigsawed activity, students compare and contrast the conventions, determining who is involved in each event and investigating...
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
18. Final Step: The Governor’s Desk
Learn what happens at the governor’s desk and how bills are signed, vetoed, or become law in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Washington Capitol Press Corps
Discover how Washington’s Capital Press Corps informs the public, covers state government, and strengthens democracy.
Discussion Questions
State Treasurer
Learn the role of Washington State’s Treasurer and how the office manages finances and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Lesson Plan
Unit
Precinct Committee Officers
Explore the role and responsibilities partisan PCOs, and investigate political viewpoints and how one can get involved in local politics.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Multiple Videos
Documentary
A Question of Faith: Washington’s Electoral College
Explore Washington’s Electoral College and how electors choose the president in this Emmy-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Editing a Book – Civic Skills
Benjamin Fong amplifies others’ histories and messages by editing for clarity. He highlights a project featuring a Civil Rights leader.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Budgetary Process
Learn how Washington State creates its budget and how lawmakers and the governor work together to fund public services.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Transportation (2026)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
2026 Tech For Teens – Legislative Branch Explained
Follow real WA bills on AI and social media to see how ideas become law—from hearings to debate, votes, and the governor’s desk.
Multiple Videos
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2026)
Explore higher education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Consumer Protection & Business (2026)
Explore consumer protection and business policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Legacy Videos
Some legacy educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.
Multiple Videos
1. Introducing Mike Hoover: Your Soon to Be Favorite Parliamentarian
Meet Parliamentarian Mike Hoover and learn the basics of the legislative process with a simple, clear introduction to how laws work.
Discussion Questions
Lobbyists in Washington State
Learn how lobbyists function in Washington State, including the role they play in the legislative process and how they are regulated.
Discussion Questions
Environmental Education – Civic Skills
Artist Tony Angell focuses on pathways for youth to explore and develop their personal and civic connection to the environment.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Legislative Actions of Washington State
In this curriculum, students learn not only how legislation is passed in Washington State but also how they can be involved and engage in it
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
11. What is an Amendment?
Learn what amendments are and how changes like strikers and substitutes shape bills in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Environment & Energy (House 2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Policy Cutoff
Learn how policy cutoff deadlines shape which bills move forward in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Reading the Bill and the Bill Report
Learn how to read bills and bill reports in Washington State, including revisions, summaries, and key legislative details.
Unit
Agriculture & Natural Resources (2025)
Explore agriculture and natural resource policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets—Operating, Capital, and Transportation—and how they reflect government priorities.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Executive Branch Explained
Learn how WA’s elected officials manage education, finances, land, insurance, and oversight—shaping daily life and public accountability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Court of Appeals – WA Courts
Learn how the Washington State Court of Appeals works and its role in reviewing trial court decisions.
Discussion Questions