Public Testimony
Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.
Lesson Plan
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
Public Programs Manager – Civic Skills
Ecological programs manager, Brianna Klein helps extend environmental awareness and ecological literacy across the community.
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
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
Working the Bill – Tech For Teens
Learn how stakeholders, lobbyists, and advocates “work the bill” to influence legislation in Washington State.
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
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
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
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 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
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
Institutional Mission – Civic Skills
Marshall Davidson shows how gardening empowers curiosity, community pride, environmental awareness, and a sense of civic belonging.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
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
Documentary
Starcia
Explore Starcia’s journey from addiction and crime to redemption in this Emmy Award-winning documentary.
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
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
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.
Supporting Small Businesses – Civic Skills
Chris Maykut supports small businesses in Seattle. He fosters communication and mutuality while strengthening the neighborhood’s civic core.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
Transportation (2026)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
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
Unit
Environment & Energy (2026)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 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
Documentary
Mariachi Huenachi
Follow immigrant students overcoming challenges through music in Wenatchee’s Mariachi Huenachi program.
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
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
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
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
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
Legislative Committees
How do legislative committees shape lawmaking in Washington State? Learn how bills move, change, or die in committee.
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
Precinct Committee Officer Privileges and Responsibilities
Chirag, a PCO himself, explains some of the impactful responsibilities of a PCO, like nominating political candidates for elected offices.
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.
4. The Three Branches
Learn how the three branches of government work together through checks and balances in Washington State.
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
NTIB – Necessary To Implement the Budget
Learn what NTIB bills are and why some Washington State legislation can bypass standard cutoff deadlines.
Discussion Questions
Science – Civic Skills
Matt Dehr connects science to civic life by highlighting his team’s work sharing weather awareness for wildfire prevention and coordination.
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
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
Court of Appeals – WA Courts
Learn how the Washington State Court of Appeals works and its role in reviewing trial court decisions.
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
The Washington State Constitution
Learn how Washington’s Constitution shapes state government and what makes it unique among U.S. state constitutions.
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
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
State Treasurer
Learn the role of Washington State’s Treasurer and how the office manages finances and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Lesson Plan
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
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
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
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
Finding My Legislator and District
Learn how to find your Washington State legislative district and connect with your elected representatives.
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
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
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
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
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
11. What is an Amendment?
Learn what amendments are and how changes like strikers and substitutes shape bills in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
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
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
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
Policy Cutoff
Learn how policy cutoff deadlines shape which bills move forward in Washington State’s 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
Planting Trees – Civic Skills
Fulton Bryant Anderson plants urban trees to build community and grow environmental stewardship amongst neighborhoods.
Lesson Plan
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
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
Poetry – Civic Skills
Rena Priest uses poetry as a means to access others’ viewpoints. Empathy and broad vision are essential for community action.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Union Bargaining – Civic Skills
Nico Montanero negotiates for union workers while building relationships, empowering workers, and creating protective systems.
Lesson Plan
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
3. What is the Legislature?
Learn what the Washington State Legislature is, how it works, and how sessions and bienniums are structured.
Discussion Questions
How to Become a Precinct Committee Officer
How to become a Precinct Committee Officer - There are many vacancies and you are needed!
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
Conference Committees
Learn how conference committees help resolve differences between House and Senate bills in Washington State.
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
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
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
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
District & Municipal Courts – WA Courts
Learn how district and municipal courts handle lower-level cases in Washington State’s court system.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2026)
Explore higher education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 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
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
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
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
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
Superior Court – WA Courts
Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial 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.
Local History – Civic Skills
TV Host, Knute Berger uses local history to root us in place and inform context in our civic process.
Lesson Plan
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
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Committee Chair
Learn how committee chairs in Washington State decide which bills move forward and shape the legislative process.
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
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
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
Prime Sponsorship
Learn how prime sponsors support bills in Washington State and why strong backing is key to passing legislation.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
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
Housing (2026)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
Attorney General
Learn the role of Washington State’s Attorney General and how the office represents and protects the public.
Lesson Plan
Unit
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos