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
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
Early Learning & Human Services (2025)
Explore youth care policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor 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
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
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
Lieutenant Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Lieutenant Governor and how this office fits within the executive branch.
Lesson Plan
How to Watch a Televised Debate
Improve your debate analysis skills by learning note-taking techniques that help track and evaluate arguments.
Discussion Questions
11. What is an Amendment?
Learn what amendments are and how changes like strikers and substitutes shape bills in Washington State.
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
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
Commissioner of Public Lands
Learn the role of Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands and how natural resources are managed.
Lesson Plan
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
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Documentary
The Pink Tax: WA Students Push For Pricing Equity
Follow WA students advocating for pricing equity and tackling the pink tax through the legislative process.
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
The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets—Operating, Capital, and Transportation—and how they reflect government priorities.
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
State Treasurer
Learn the role of Washington State’s Treasurer and how the office manages finances and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Lesson Plan
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
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
Transportation (2025)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
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
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
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
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2026)
Explore higher education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
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
Juvenile Courts – WA Courts
Explore juvenile courts in Washington State and how they focus on rehabilitation for youth offenders.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal? – Questions To The Court
Explore the difference between criminal and civil cases and how Washington State courts handle each.
Discussion Questions
Prime Sponsorship
Learn how prime sponsors support bills in Washington State and why strong backing is key to passing legislation.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Coming Together Again: Therapeutic Courts in WA
Explore therapeutic courts in Washington State and how they support recovery and reduce recidivism.
Discussion Questions
6. What is a Lobbyist?
Learn what a lobbyist is and how they influence the legislative process in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
4. The Three Branches
Learn how the three branches of government work together through checks and balances in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
Documentary
Mariachi Huenachi
Follow immigrant students overcoming challenges through music in Wenatchee’s Mariachi Huenachi program.
Discussion Questions
Floor Debate
Learn how floor debates work in Washington State and the rules that guide discussion, amendments, and voting on legislation.
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
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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 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
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.
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
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
Finding My Legislator and District
Learn how to find your Washington State legislative district and connect with your elected representatives.
Documentary
Supreme Justice
Explore Washington’s Supreme Court through the landmark Gardner v. Loomis case in this Emmy-winning documentary.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Capitol Classroom Highlights
Explore highlights from Capitol Classroom and learn about Washington State’s legislative process from volunteer lobbyists.
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
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 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
5. The Legislative Process
Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.
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
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
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
Unit
Health Care (2026)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
State Auditor
Explore the role of Washington’s State Auditor and learn how audits provide oversight and accountability in state government.
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
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
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
Unit
Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate 2025)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
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
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
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
Policy Cutoff
Learn how policy cutoff deadlines shape which bills move forward in Washington State’s legislative process.
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
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
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
The Budgetary Process
Learn how Washington State creates its budget and how lawmakers and the governor work together to fund public services.
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
17. Concurrence & Dispute
Learn how concurrence and dispute resolve bill differences between chambers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Superior Court – WA Courts
Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial system.
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
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
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
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2026)
Explore human services policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Housing (2026)
Explore housing 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
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
What Happens After You’re Arrested? – Questions To The Court
Learn what happens after an arrest in Washington State, from arraignment through sentencing.
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
SERIES
Documentaries
Documentaries to help students understand how their state government works by taking a deeper look into issues affecting the state.
Multiple Videos
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
Signing up to Testify
Learn how to sign up to testify on a bill and share your voice in Washington State’s legislative process.
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2025)
Explore higher education and workforce 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
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
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
8. Fiscal Committees
Learn how fiscal committees review costs, funding, and budgets for bills in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Housing (Senate 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos