Civics Resources

4:37

How a Bill Becomes a Law

This Legacy Video explains: How does a bill become a law in Washington? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress?

Discussion Questions

05:00

Policy Cutoff

Learn how policy cutoff deadlines shape which bills move forward in Washington State’s legislative process.

Discussion Questions

4:49

Organizing – Civic Skills

Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.

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Discussion Questions

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

4:35

Environmental Education – Civic Skills

Artist Tony Angell focuses on pathways for youth to explore and develop their personal and civic connection to the environment.

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Discussion Questions

55:00
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

01:35

11. What is an Amendment?

Learn what amendments are and how changes like strikers and substitutes shape bills in Washington State.

Discussion Questions

4:30

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

3:39

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.

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02:17

6. What is a Lobbyist?

Learn what a lobbyist is and how they influence the legislative process in Washington State.

Discussion Questions

Unit

K12 Education (2025)

Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

04:40

Fiscal Committees

Learn how fiscal committees in Washington State review bills with financial impact and why they are critical in the lawmaking process.

Discussion Questions

03:13

4. The Three Branches

Learn how the three branches of government work together through checks and balances in Washington State.

Discussion Questions

05:23

First Week – Tech For Teens

Follow AI regulation bills in Washington State and see how tech policy for teens moves through the legislative process.

Discussion Questions

07:30

Court of Appeals – WA Courts

Learn how the Washington State Court of Appeals works and its role in reviewing trial court decisions.

Discussion Questions

4:24

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.

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Discussion Questions

03:21

How are Parenting Plans Decided?

Learn how parenting plans are decided in Washington State and what judges consider in family court cases.

Discussion Questions

05:11

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

06:30

Superior Court – WA Courts

Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial system.

Discussion Questions

SERIES

Capitol Classroom Highlights

Explore highlights from Capitol Classroom and learn about Washington State’s legislative process from volunteer lobbyists.

Multiple Videos

03:04

9. Rules Committee

Learn how the Rules Committee controls which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.

Discussion Questions

4:39

The Law – Civic Skills

Attorney Rich Lumley uses critical thinking and empathy in law as he researches, negotiates, and encourages understanding.

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Discussion Questions

23:44
Documentary

Mariachi Huenachi

Follow immigrant students overcoming challenges through music in Wenatchee’s Mariachi Huenachi program.

Discussion Questions

4:41

Union Bargaining – Civic Skills

Nico Montanero negotiates for union workers while building relationships, empowering workers, and creating protective systems.

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SERIES

Civic Skills

Explore diverse professional roles and the civic skills that help people succeed in their communities and daily lives.

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Multiple Videos

Unit

Community Safety (2025)

Learn where Community Safety Committee leadership stands on issues of police accountability and addressing misinformation on social media.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

5:50

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

04:26

Looking up a Bill

Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
5:05

Voter’s Pamphlet and Video Guide

Learn about informational resources provided to voters prior to elections, and how that information is gathered and validated.

Lesson Plan

Discussion Questions

06:01

16. The State Budget(s)

Learn about Washington State’s three budgets and how lawmakers plan and fund government priorities.

Discussion Questions

08:05

Floor Debate

Learn how floor debates work in Washington State and the rules that guide discussion, amendments, and voting on legislation.

Discussion Questions

4:09

State Auditor

Explore the role of Washington’s State Auditor and learn how audits provide oversight and accountability in state government.

Lesson Plan

Unit

Pre-Legislative Session Class Primer

Prepare your students to follow and engage in the legislative process with this two day pre-legislative session primer.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

07:45

Time Management – Tech For Teens

Learn how time management, floor strategy, and party priorities shape which Washington State bills get a final vote.

Discussion Questions

8:00

WA Republican State Convention

Explore and influence of party conventions, how they are structured, and the role of delegates in shaping the electoral process.

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Discussion Questions

02:19

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

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

7:40

WA Democratic State Convention

See how the Washington State Democratic Party convention gathers its base to caucus, collaborate and adopt the parties platform.

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Discussion Questions

58:30
Documentary

Starcia

Explore Starcia’s journey from addiction and crime to redemption in this Emmy Award-winning documentary.

Discussion Questions

Unit

K12 Education (2026)

Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

5:00

Labor Council COPE Convention

Candidate Endorsements: how do they really work? Understand the role that the unions can play in an election. 

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Discussion Questions

4:56

Landscape Organizing – Civic Skills

Landscape Architect, Dakota Keene designs public/private spaces for community connection, creating shared civic spaces that welcome everyone

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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

Unit

Housing (Senate 2025)

Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

07:20

Public Testimony

Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.

Lesson Plan

Discussion Questions

04:56

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

05:47

Signing up to Testify

Learn how to sign up to testify on a bill and share your voice in Washington State’s legislative process.
3:05

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.

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Discussion Questions

02:45

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.
9:10

The Initiative Process

Learn from UW Law scholar, Hugh Spitzer, how WAs initiative process works, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of the initiative process

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Discussion Questions

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

5:00

Candidate Filing Week

Learn how candidates get on the ballot and how WA's SOS office ensures the process is equitable and fair for both candidate and voter.

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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

Unit

Legislative Committees

Understand the role of legislative committees, how they are structured, and how power and perspective can shape policy.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

06:03

Inaugural Addresses

Washington’s 2025 legislative opening ceremonies, including swearing-in, Gov. Inslee’s final address, and Gov. Ferguson’s inaugural.

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Discussion Questions

Unit

Environment & Energy (2026)

Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

4:57

Attorney General

Learn the role of Washington State’s Attorney General and how the office represents and protects the public.

Lesson Plan

02:19

2. What is the Law?

Learn what laws are, how they work, and how bills become part of the Revised Code of Washington.

Discussion Questions

Unit

Housing (House 2025)

Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

13:25

WA Top Two Primary

Learn how Washington State's Top Two Primary works, the different scenarios that can play out, and how political parties strategize to win.

Lesson Plan

Discussion Questions

03:07

8. Fiscal Committees

Learn how fiscal committees review costs, funding, and budgets for bills in Washington State’s legislative process.

Discussion Questions

3:09

Visual Storytelling – Civic Skills

Filmmaker Derek Bradfield Nguyen uses visual storytelling to show how people live in community, building civic familiarity.

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Discussion Questions

03:58

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

4:24

Passing Legislation – Civic Skills

Former legislator Tana Senn explains passing legislation as a civic skill. Engaging stakeholders changes policy and impacts communities.

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Discussion Questions

09:45

The Governor’s Desk

Learn the governor’s role in Washington State lawmaking, including signing, vetoing, or allowing bills to become law.

Discussion Questions

6:30

Professional Sports – Civic Skills

In his work for the Seattle Kraken, Kyle Boyd leverages hockey to build community, promote health, connection and civic life amongst youth.

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Discussion Questions

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

5:30

Insurance Commissioner

Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.

Lesson Plan

4:29

Secretary of State

Learn the role of Washington State’s Secretary of State and how the office oversees elections and public records.

Lesson Plan

Unit

Health Care & Wellness (2025)

Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.

Lesson Plan

Multiple Videos

24:30
Documentary

Supreme Justice

Explore Washington’s Supreme Court through the landmark Gardner v. Loomis case in this Emmy-winning documentary.

Discussion Questions

3:35

Running a Campaign – Civic Skills

Political campaign manager, Chirag Vedullapalli shares how navigating disagreements and hard work teaches effective collaboration.

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Discussion Questions

5:10

State Treasurer

Learn the role of Washington State’s Treasurer and how the office manages finances and ensures fiscal responsibility.

Lesson Plan

SERIES

Judicial Branch Explained

Explore Washington State’s courts, from trial courts to the Supreme Court, and learn how judges, juries, and justice work together.

Multiple Videos

02:20

5. The Legislative Process

Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.

Discussion Questions

7:55

The Governor

Learn the role of Washington State’s Governor and how the office leads, implements laws, and works across government.

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Discussion Questions

3:20

Planting Trees – Civic Skills

Fulton Bryant Anderson plants urban trees to build community and grow environmental stewardship amongst neighborhoods.

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Discussion Questions

02:09

10. Public Comment

Learn how public input influences legislation in Washington State through testimony, letters, and civic engagement.

Discussion Questions

4:31

Poetry – Civic Skills

Rena Priest uses poetry as a means to access others’ viewpoints. Empathy and broad vision are essential for community action.

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Discussion Questions

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