Civics Ed Documentaries
In addition to short, educational videos and lesson plans, Teach With TVW also produces documentaries to help students understand how their state government works by taking a deeper look into issues affecting the state.
Civics Topic: Legislative Branch
The Role of the Whip
Overview: Out of the many Party Leadership roles, the Whip is perhaps the most commonly recognized, why is that? Go behind the scenes of Washington State’s legislative process to explore the role of the caucus whip. This video explains how whips help manage legislative floor operations, count votes, track member attendance, and coordinate communication within House and Senate caucuses. Learn why bills are rarely brought to the floor without enough support to pass, how whips work with lawmakers to address concerns, and why collaboration—not “arm twisting”—is often the key to moving legislation forward in Olympia.
The Code Reviser
Overview: What does it take to turn an idea into a law? Meet some of the key people behind the scenes.
Participating in the Legislative Process
Overview: Learn how to effectively participate in Washington State’s legislative process, including how to connect with state legislators, how to testify before a legislative committee, and why Washington is said to have an “open” legislature. Participating in Washington State’s legislative process may seem intimidating, but there are many ways citizens can make their voices heard. This video explores how people can engage with lawmakers through town halls, emails, committee testimony, advocacy groups, and direct conversations with legislators and staff. Learn why preparation, personal stories, facts, and relationship-building are essential for effective civic engagement, and discover how Washington’s open legislative process gives every resident opportunities to influence public policy and legislation.
Lobbyists in Washington State
Overview: What is the job of Lobbyists in the Washington State Legislature and how are they regulated? Explore the role lobbyists play in Washington State’s legislative process. This video explains who lobbyists represent, how they register with the Public Disclosure Commission, and the different ways they influence legislation—from drafting bills and amendments to organizing testimony and building coalitions. Learn about the qualities effective lobbyists need, including credibility, relationship-building, and bipartisanship, and discover why lobbyists remain an important part of how laws are shaped and debated in Washington State.
Legislative Committees
Overview: What is the function of committees in the Washington State Legislature? Discover the powerful role legislative committees play in the Washington State lawmaking process. This video explains how committees are organized, the difference between policy and fiscal committees, and how work sessions, public hearings, and executive sessions shape legislation. Learn why committee chairs and the Rules Committee hold significant influence over whether a bill advances to the chamber floor or dies in committee, and why understanding committees is essential to understanding how laws are made in Washington State.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Overview: How does a bill become a law in Washington? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress? In this video WA Legislative Branch series, students and viewers will learn about how Washington State’s legislative branch is designed to ensure a citizen legislature and allow for public engagement in the legislative process.. This episode focuses on how a bill becomes a law in Washington State and some key differences in the legislative process on the state and federal levels.
Washington’s Legislative Branch
Overview: Learn about Washington State’s legislative branch and how it functions, and some key differences between the Washington State Legislature and the U.S. Congress. In this video of the Legacy Video Series: Washington Legislative Branch, students and viewers will learn about how Washington State’s legislative branch is designed to ensure a citizen legislature and allow for public engagement in the legislative process. This episode focuses on how Washington state’s Legislature differs from Congress and how it is structured to ensure access to representation and check and balances in the policy making process..
The Washington State Constitution
Learn about the history and function of the Washington State Constitution. Professor Hugh Spitzer discusses the ways in which the WA Constitution reflects the special concerns of its framers and the aspects that make it unique among state constitutions.
Legacy Videos
Short educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.