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.
Type of Resource: Video Series
Legacy Videos
Short educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.
Capitol Classroom Highlights
Explore this series for insightful answers to questions about Washington state’s legislative process. This collection of video excerpts are pulled directly from our Capitol Classroom program. Each year, Teach With TVW’s Capitol Classroom program pairs middle and high school social studies classes with a volunteer lobbyist to guide them through the legislative process, educating and empowering students to become active and engaged citizens.
Executive Branch Explained
Help students understand how Washington State’s executive branch operates through elected statewide officials and their real-world responsibilities. This series explores the roles of the State Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Public Lands, Insurance Commissioner, and State Auditor, highlighting how each office impacts daily life in Washington. Students will examine key issues such as education funding, land and resource management, financial oversight, insurance regulation, transparency, and accountability in government. The series builds civic understanding of how elected executive officials serve the public and balance competing needs across the state.
Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish)
Use these short explainer videos to help build a strong foundation in civics by exploring how government works at the local, state, and national levels. This series introduces core concepts like the branches of government, civic rights and responsibilities, and how public policy decisions are made and carried out. Students will gain a clearer understanding of how citizens engage with government and how systems of power and accountability function in Washington State and beyond.
Judicial Branch Explained
Overview: Help students understand how Washington State’s court system works through clear, engaging explanations. This series breaks down the structure and role of courts—from local trial courts to the state Supreme Court—and explains how cases move through the system. Students will learn about judges, juries, individual rights, and key legal processes, while exploring how courts interpret laws and uphold justice. Ideal for building foundational civics knowledge and strengthening understanding of the judicial branch.
Legislative Branch Explained
Understand how laws are made in Washington State through clear, engaging examples. This video series follows the full legislative process—from bill introduction and committee hearings to debate and final votes—while explaining key roles, procedures, and real-world impacts. Students will learn how ideas become law, how citizens can participate, and how state government decisions shape their communities. Ideal for building foundational civics knowledge and connecting classroom concepts to what’s happening in Olympia today.
Elections Explained
The ELECTIONS EXPLAINED is a short explainer series showcasing all aspects of how elections work in Washington State, from the floors of the state conventions to the final counting of votes in November. Each video can stand alone, or they can be viewed as a series. Additionally, all come with lesson plans for easy implementation in the classroom.
On The Issues – Q&A
Help students explore real policy questions facing Washington State through timely, issue-based conversations with lawmakers. This series features student-led questions on topics such as health care, transportation, public safety, the environment, education, and economic policy, while highlighting both Democratic and Republican committee leadership perspectives on each issue. Students will learn how legislators analyze complex problems, weigh competing priorities, and consider impacts on communities across the state. Ideal for connecting classroom civics to current debates in Olympia and understanding how policy is shaped through differing viewpoints.
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
Help students learn how to navigate Washington State’s legislative website (leg.wa.gov) to find bills, track legislation, and understand the lawmaking process in action. This series builds practical civic skills by showing how to access real government information, follow policy development, and explore how ideas move through the Legislature. Students gain hands-on tools to connect classroom learning with the legislative process and current issues in Washington State.