What Does The Judicial Branch Do? – Questions To The Court
Explore what the judicial branch does and how judges interpret laws in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Participating in the Legislative Process
Learn how Washington residents can influence lawmaking through testimony, advocacy, and connecting with legislators.
Discussion Questions
Anatomy of a Committee
Learn how legislative committees work in Washington State and why they are key to researching, debating, and shaping laws.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
16. The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets and how lawmakers plan and fund government priorities.
Discussion Questions
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
SERIES
Legacy Videos
Some legacy educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.
Multiple Videos
Unit
Housing (2026)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
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
The Governor’s Desk
Learn the governor’s role in Washington State lawmaking, including signing, vetoing, or allowing bills to become law.
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
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.
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
Attorney General Request Legislation – Tech For Teens
Learn how Attorney General request legislation works and how laws are enforced to protect consumers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Isidore Starr: Leading a Revolution in Civics
Explore Isidore Starr’s impact on civics education and his legacy as a leader in law-related education.
Discussion Questions
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
Unit
How a Bill Becomes a Law in Washington State
In 9–10 class periods, students explore lawmaking in WA, issues they care about, legislative action, civic engagement, and bipartisanship.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
WA Republican State Convention
Explore and influence of party conventions, how they are structured, and the role of delegates in shaping the electoral process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Final Step – Tech For Teens
Learn the final step in Washington State lawmaking as bills reach the governor’s desk for approval, veto, or enactment.
Discussion Questions
Commissioner of Public Lands
Learn the role of Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands and how natural resources are managed.
Lesson Plan
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
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
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
Conference Committees
Learn how conference committees help resolve differences between House and Senate bills in Washington State.
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
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
The Code Reviser
Explore the Code Reviser’s role in Washington State and how bills are drafted, reviewed, and prepared for the legislative process.
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
Re-Wire 2026 Legislative Session Preview
Preview the 2026 legislative session with insights from the ReWire conference on budget, policy, and key issues.
Discussion Questions
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
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
Legislative Committees
Understand the role of legislative committees, how they are structured, and how power and perspective can shape policy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
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
12. The Floor: What is Decorum??
Learn what decorum means on the legislative floor and how rules guide respectful debate in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
What is a Precinct Committee Officer?
Learn how Precinct Committee Officers play a part in party business at every level of our democracy.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Starcia
Explore Starcia’s journey from addiction and crime to redemption in this Emmy Award-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Fines & Fees – Questions to the Court
Explore fines and fees in Washington State courts and how policies have changed for civil and criminal cases.
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
2026 Short Session Look Ahead
Get ready for Washington State’s 2026 short session and learn how the biennium shapes legislative priorities and timelines.
Lesson Plan
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
Signing up to Testify
Learn how to sign up to testify on a bill and share your voice in Washington State’s legislative process.
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
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
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
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
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
Unit
State Government & Tribal Relations (2025)
Explore tribal relations and state government 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
Unit
Agriculture & Natural Resources (2025)
Explore agriculture and natural resource policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Capitol Classroom Highlights
Explore highlights from Capitol Classroom and learn about Washington State’s legislative process from volunteer lobbyists.
Multiple Videos
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
17. Concurrence & Dispute
Learn how concurrence and dispute resolve bill differences between chambers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
7. Policy Committees
Learn how policy committees work in Washington State and how bills move through hearings and executive sessions.
Discussion Questions
Policy Cutoff
Learn how policy cutoff deadlines shape which bills move forward in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
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
Superior Court – WA Courts
Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial system.
Discussion Questions
The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets—Operating, Capital, and Transportation—and how they reflect government priorities.
Discussion Questions
4. The Three Branches
Learn how the three branches of government work together through checks and balances in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2026)
Explore human services policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Elections Explained
Learn how elections work in Washington State - Each video can stand alone, and is accompanied with a lesson plan, or view as a series.
Multiple Videos
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
Public Testimony
Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Supreme Court – WA Courts
Learn how the Washington State Supreme Court works and its role in interpreting laws and setting precedent.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
2024 Elections: What’s at Stake
Review the 2024 state of Washington races post the August Primary Election, and pre the November Election, to understand election dynamics.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
WA Democratic State Convention
See how the Washington State Democratic Party convention gathers its base to caucus, collaborate and adopt the parties platform.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Housing (Senate 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Floor Debate
Learn how floor debates work in Washington State and the rules that guide discussion, amendments, and voting on legislation.
Discussion Questions
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
The Washington State Constitution
Learn how Washington’s Constitution shapes state government and what makes it unique among U.S. state constitutions.
Discussion Questions
The Committee Chair
Learn how committee chairs in Washington State decide which bills move forward and shape the legislative process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Budgetary Process
Learn how Washington State creates its budget and how lawmakers and the governor work together to fund public services.
Discussion Questions
How To Get Legal Advice? – Questions To The Court
Learn how to get legal advice in Washington State and understand your right to an attorney in civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
Working the Bill – Tech For Teens
Learn how stakeholders, lobbyists, and advocates “work the bill” to influence legislation in Washington State.
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
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
9. Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee controls which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
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
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
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
Environment & Energy (2026)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Transportation (2026)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2026)
Explore higher education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
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
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Legislative Committees
How do legislative committees shape lawmaking in Washington State? Learn how bills move, change, or die in committee.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Looking up a Bill
Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
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
District & Municipal Courts – WA Courts
Learn how district and municipal courts handle lower-level cases in Washington State’s court system.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Transportation (2025)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
Unit
Health Care (2026)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Prime Sponsorship
Learn how prime sponsors support bills in Washington State and why strong backing is key to passing legislation.
Discussion Questions
Prosecutor vs. Public Defender? – Questions To The Court
Learn the roles of prosecutors and public defenders and how they work together in Washington State’s justice system.
Discussion Questions
What Is The Most Powerful Branch? – Questions To The Court
Explore which branch of government is most powerful and how checks and balances work in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Lieutenant Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Lieutenant Governor and how this office fits within the executive branch.
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
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos