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
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
How to Watch a Televised Debate
Improve your debate analysis skills by learning note-taking techniques that help track and evaluate arguments.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Transportation (2025)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal?
Explore the difference between criminal and civil cases and how Washington State courts handle each.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
Unit
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
10. Public Comment
Learn how public input influences legislation in Washington State through testimony, letters, and civic engagement.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
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
State Auditor
Explore the role of Washington’s State Auditor and learn how audits provide oversight and accountability in state government.
Lesson Plan
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
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
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
How are Parenting Plans Decided?
Learn how parenting plans are decided in Washington State and what judges consider in family court cases.
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
Participating in the Legislative Process
Learn how Washington residents can influence lawmaking through testimony, advocacy, and connecting with legislators.
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
How to Become a Precinct Committee Officer
How to become a Precinct Committee Officer - There are many vacancies and you are needed!
Discussion Questions
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
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
The Budgetary Process
Learn how Washington State creates its budget and how lawmakers and the governor work together to fund public services.
Discussion Questions
17. Concurrence & Dispute
Learn how concurrence and dispute resolve bill differences between chambers in Washington State.
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
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
Prime Sponsorship
Learn how prime sponsors support bills in Washington State and why strong backing is key to passing legislation.
Discussion Questions
NTIB – Necessary To Implement the Budget
Learn what NTIB bills are and why some Washington State legislation can bypass standard cutoff deadlines.
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
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
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
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
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
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
Looking up a Bill
Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
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
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Creating Vibrant Parks – Civic Skills
Former Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams preserved vibrant parks through civic engagement, listening, and clarity of mission.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Attorney General
Learn the role of Washington State’s Attorney General and how the office represents and protects the public.
Lesson Plan
Commissioner of Public Lands
Learn the role of Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands and how natural resources are managed.
Lesson Plan
What Does The Judicial Branch Do?
Explore what the judicial branch does and how judges interpret laws in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
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
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
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
Running a Campaign – Civic Skills
Political campaign manager, Chirag Vedullapalli shares how navigating disagreements and hard work teaches effective collaboration.
Lesson Plan
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
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
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
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
Organizing – Civic Skills
Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Documentaries
Documentaries to help students understand how their state government works by taking a deeper look into issues affecting the state.
Multiple Videos
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Law – Civic Skills
Attorney Rich Lumley uses critical thinking and empathy in law as he researches, negotiates, and encourages understanding.
Lesson Plan
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
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
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
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.
7. Policy Committees
Learn how policy committees work in Washington State and how bills move through hearings and executive sessions.
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
The Role of the Whip
What does a legislative whip do? Learn how caucus whips count votes, manage members, and guide bills in Olympia.
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
Unit
Agriculture & Natural Resources (2025)
Explore agriculture and natural resource policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Secretary of State
Learn the role of Washington State’s Secretary of State and how the office oversees elections and public records.
Lesson Plan
3. What is the Legislature?
Learn what the Washington State Legislature is, how it works, and how sessions and bienniums are structured.
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
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
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos
Conference Committees
Learn how conference committees help resolve differences between House and Senate bills in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
Discussion Questions
13. The Floor: 1st 2nd & 3rd Readings Explained
Learn what 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings mean and how bills are reviewed on the legislative floor.
Discussion Questions
What Happens After You’re Arrested?
Learn what happens after an arrest in Washington State, from arraignment through sentencing.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Washington Capitol Press Corps
Discover how Washington’s Capital Press Corps informs the public, covers state government, and strengthens democracy.
Discussion Questions
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
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
What Happens If A Law Is Declared Unconstitutional?
Learn what happens when a law is declared unconstitutional and the roles of courts and lawmakers in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
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
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
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
Unit
Health Care (2026)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Planting Trees – Civic Skills
Fulton Bryant Anderson plants urban trees to build community and grow environmental stewardship amongst neighborhoods.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Finding My Legislator and District
Learn how to find your Washington State legislative district and connect with your elected representatives.
5. The Legislative Process
Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.
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
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
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