2. What is the Law?

What exactly is “the law”? Most people think of criminal law because that’s what they see in movies and TV shows. But in reality, laws shape nearly every part of daily life — from speed limits and school curriculum to food safety, transportation, business regulations, and much more. In this episode of Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish), Mike Hoover explains what laws really are, where they are found in Washington state government, and how new laws begin as ideas that can eventually become bills. Along the way, viewers learn why bills are written the way they are, how lawmakers propose changes to existing laws, and why most proposed legislation never actually becomes law. Using humor, relatable examples, and straightforward explanations, Mike makes legislative process approachable for students, educators, and anyone curious about how government works behind the scenes. Whether you are learning about civics for the first time or simply want a clearer understanding of how laws shape everyday life, this episode offers an engaging introduction to the legislative process and the role citizens can play in it. Perfect for: • Middle school and high school civics classrooms • Government and social studies instruction • Intro lessons on lawmaking and public policy • Bell ringers, discussion starters, and review activities • Students learning how ideas become laws • Anyone interested in understanding government and civic life This episode helps viewers see that laws are not just about crime and punishment. They are the rules and systems that influence schools, roads, commerce, public safety, and communities every single day. Explore more classroom-ready civics resources and educational programming from TVW designed to help people of all ages better understand government, democracy, and civic engagement. Credit Sources: 00:18 - Thelma & Louise. Directed by Ridley Scott, Performances by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, MGM,1991. Youtube, uploaded by BlackView HD, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N090M8s9MYo&t=0s 00:32 - Old man splashed by puddle. Youtube, uploaded by mike froese, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N090M8s9MYo&t=0s 00:39 - Tommy Boy. Directed by Peter Segal, Performances by Chris Farley, Paramount Pictures,1995. Youtube, uploaded by kfilew, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3xWOriHqwU&t=0s Watch the entire Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish) PLAYLIST HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SDcy6Oz3plxQCqpfNUb2HGf Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens. Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org #TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish) - What is the Law? (2 min)

Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish) is your straightforward guide through the often confounding legislative process.

Script:
Most people think of criminal law, but the criminal code is a small portion of the law
The rest are rules and regulations, such as:
Rules on how to process wheat
Curriculum in schools
The content of gasoline at the pump
Collectively all of the laws together are referred to as the Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
The way to change the law in the RCW is with a bill. Which is a “wanna -be law”
Bills start as a good idea that has been introduced by a legislator
It is written like a law
It is a suggestion to be added into the RCW that must be voted on by the Legislature
Keep in mind, many more bills are introduced than become law

Credit Sources:
00:18 - Thelma & Louise. Directed by Ridley Scott, Performances by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, MGM,1991. Youtube, uploaded by BlackView HD, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N090M8s9MYo&t=0s

00:32 - Old man splashed by puddle. Youtube, uploaded by mike froese, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N090M8s9MYo&t=0s

00:39 - Tommy Boy. Directed by Peter Segal, Performances by Chris Farley, Paramount Pictures,1995. Youtube, uploaded by kfilew, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3xWOriHqwU&t=0s

Watch the entire Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish) PLAYLIST HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SDcy6Oz3plxQCqpfNUb2HGf

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

YouTube Video 9NRtmQEH3OE
02:19

What exactly is “the law”? Most people think of criminal law because that’s what they see in movies and TV shows. But in reality, laws shape nearly every part of daily life — from speed limits and school curriculum to food safety, transportation, business regulations, and much more.

In this episode of Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish), Mike Hoover explains what laws really are, where they are found in Washington state government, and how new laws begin as ideas that can eventually become bills. Along the way, viewers learn why bills are written the way they are, how lawmakers propose changes to existing laws, and why most proposed legislation never actually becomes law.

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