Overview:
In 1 to 2 class periods, this lesson plan introduces students to the issues that Legislative Committees address in a typical Legislative session. Students will have the choice of 11 different issues to examine, learning which committees address these important topics. Additionally, students will assess their own opinions and ideas that relate to the topics presented in the videos. Slide deck and documents can be customized for sharing, and distribution to your students.
Essential Questions:
- What role do Legislative Committees play in the Legislative process?
- Why is it important to understand who wields the power in policy committees?
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- To what extent is there bipartisanship in the Washington State Legislature?
Objectives:
- Understand the committee structure of the Washington State Legislature
- Understand the different perspectives of legislators in the 2025 Legislative Session
- Identify follow up questions and research opportunities to determine their own opinions
Grade Level Standards:
- Middle School: 6th – 8th
- C2.6-8. 2 Distinguish the structure, organization, powers, and limits of government at the local, state, and tribal levels.
- C4.6-8.3 Employ strategies for civic involvement that address a state or local issue.
- High School: 9th – 12th
- C2.11-12.1 Analyze citizens’ and institutions’ effectiveness in addressing social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national and/or international level.
- C4.11-12.2 Analyze and evaluate ways of influencing local, state, and national governments and international organizations to establish or preserve individual rights and/or promote the common good.
About this Lesson Plan:
- All documents are View Only on GoogleDocs. You can easily make a copy (under the file menu) to edit, share, and distribute to your students.
- The lessons are designed to be used as written OR teachers can use them part and parcel and choose the components that work best for their students and classroom time.
Teacher's Guide