3. What is the Legislature?

What is the legislature, really? Many people picture the Capitol building when they hear the word “legislature,” but the legislature is not a building — it is the people elected to represent communities across the state. In this episode of Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish), Mike Hoover explains how Washington’s legislature works, who serves in it, and why the state uses a part-time citizen legislature. From teachers and farmers to engineers, small business owners, doctors, and community advocates, legislators come from many different backgrounds and professions. Mike also breaks down the difference between long and short legislative sessions, how lawmakers divide their time between Olympia and their home districts, and why having “regular people” involved in government is an important part of representative democracy. Using humor, relatable examples, and practical civic insight, this episode helps viewers better understand the people behind the lawmaking process and the role everyday citizens play in shaping government. Whether you are a student learning about state government, an educator looking for classroom-ready civics content, or simply curious about how legislatures operate, this episode offers a fast and approachable introduction to representative government in action. Perfect for: • Middle school and high school civics classrooms • Government and social studies instruction • Lessons on representative democracy and state government • Bell ringers, discussion starters, and review activities • Students learning how legislatures function • Anyone interested in how elected officials represent communities This episode highlights an important civic idea: government is not just institutions and buildings. It is people working together to represent the public, debate ideas, and make decisions that affect everyday life. Explore more civics resources, classroom materials, and educational programming from TVW designed to help people of all ages better understand government, democracy, and civic engagement. 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 Legislature? (2 min)

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

The Legislature is made up of people. Regular people.
We have a part-time legislature:
Odd years are the long session (105 days)
Even years is the short session (60 days)
The two sessions combined make up a Biennium
When the session is over they return to their regular jobs.

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 Edwdg3LwO0U
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What is the legislature, really? Many people picture the Capitol building when they hear the word “legislature,” but the legislature is not a building — it is the people elected to represent communities across the state.

In this episode of Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish), Mike Hoover explains how Washington’s legislature works, who serves in it, and why the state uses a part-time citizen legislature. From teachers and farmers to engineers, small business owners, doctors, and community advocates, legislators come from many different backgrounds and professions.

Mike also breaks down the difference between long and short legislative sessions, how lawmakers divide their time between Olympia and their home districts, and why having “regular people” involved in government is an important part of representative democracy.

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