Washington State Government Ch 13 People Need Rules

Washington State Government Ch. 13

People Need Rules & Laws l l Rules & Laws reflect what is important to society Fed Govt. makes laws that apply to everyone Then State Laws for people in WA Then local ordinances for individual cities and communities

Governing the US l l l Constitution was written to limit powers of the Federal Government Bill of Rights added in 1791 Amendments (changes) 1 -10 are the Bill of Rights

Branches of Fed. Govt l l Set up to have checks & balances No single branch can become too powerful

Legislative Branch of Fed Govt. l 2 Sides of Congress l Senate (2 for each state) l House of Representatives (Washington has 9 U. S. Representatives) l Bicameral = 2 Houses

Executive Branch of Fed Govt. l l President is head of Executive Branch Electoral College – – – Washington has 11 electoral Votes Based on total # of representatives & senators Electors cast vote for who wins election in WA State.

Judicial Branch of Fed Govt. l l Supreme Court is highest court Only deals w/ constitutional issues Most court cases settled by lower courts (appeals, state, district, county, etc) William O’Douglas only person from WA elected to supreme court

Political Parties l l l Group of people who have same ideas about government Democrats – Job of Govt is to improve life of citizens Republican – Less Govt is good Govt

U. S. Senators from Washington State l l l 1910 women got right to vote in Washington 1972 Equal Rights Amendment Name the U. S. Senators from WA? Maria Cantwell Patty Murray

Washington State Constitution l l l 1889 – 73 delegates Gave Governor broad Veto powers Was amended 82 times in first 100 yrs

Executive Branch l l Executive - includes the Governor and other elected state officials. The “Divided Executive” These individuals implement the laws passed by the Legislature. The Governor has the power to appoint members of the Judicial branch.

Governor - Jay Inslee (Democrat) l Governor: – – – – Manages all State Government State of the State Report Hires Hundreds of People Commands National Guard Signs Bill into Law Bills passed by the Legislature are sent to the Governor to be signed or vetoed, or line-item vetoed “Divided Executive” Branch

Women in State Government l Washington’s female Governors Dixie Lee Ray 1977 -1981 Christine Gregoire 2005 -2013

Lieutenant Governor – Cyrus Habib (Democrat) l l l Serves as President of State Senate Replaces Governor if Governor cannot finish term Acts in place of Governor if he/she is out of state

Secretary of State – Kim Wyman (Republican) l l l Runs State Elections Registers Corporations Maintains Archives & Records

Treasurer – Duane Davidson (Republican) l In Charge of all state Finances

State Auditor – Pat Mc. Carthy (Democrat) l Prepares all financial information

Attorney General – Bob Ferguson (Democrat) l l Chief Attorney for the state Gives legal advice to members of Executive Branch

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Chris Reykdal (NP) l Oversees public schools and funding for education

Commissioner of Public Lands – Hilary Franz (Democrat) l l Heads the Dept. of Natural Resources Manages state owned land, forests, and water

Insurance Commissioner – Mike Kreidler (Democrat) l l Regulates the Insurance Industry in Washington state Advocates for consumers

Judicial Branch l l Our Judicial Branch makes rulings on the constitutionality and legality surrounding the implementation of a law, as passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. They interpret our laws

Judicial Branch l l l Highest Court = State Supreme Court 9 judges, each elected by state voters Below are: – – Court of Appeals Superior Court District Court Municipal (city)

Our State Legislature l l Make laws only for the State of Washington 49 districts of approx. equal population 1 Senator, 2 Representatives from each Dist. Meets in January for 60 days or longer

Legislative Districts – 49 Statewide

Spokane Area Legislative Districts City of Spokane

Puget Sound Area Legislative Districts We are in the 28 th Legislative District

Your Washington State Legislators

State Senator – 28 th District l Senator Steve O’Ban Republican

State Representative – 28 th District l Rep. Mari Leavitt. Democrat

State Representative – 28 th District l Rep. Christine Kilduff Democrat

Legislative Oversight l l l Taxes – What to tax, and how much Spending – What to spend tax $ on Regulation & Policies – pass laws to protect & govern citizens, regulate state licenses State Govt – Sets rules for State Govt Local Govt – Gives authority to counties/towns Constitution – Amends the Constitution

Washington State Budget Spending

Washington State Budget Revenues

Washington State Budget Deficit

How a Bill Becomes a Law l l Committee writes Senate & House Pass Governor Signs the bill into law or veto’s If vetoed, the house/senate can pass it if they get a 2/3 majority vote

Initiative & Referendum l l l Initiative – citizens pass laws w/o legislature help Referendum – approve or reject a law passed by legislature Tim Eyman – Vehicle Licensing Tabs 1999

What can you do? l l l Contact your Representatives Send Emails Make Phone Calls

Local Government l l Counties – 39 Each county is run by 3 County Commissioners King/Pierce County are run by Councils City Government – – – Mayor & City Council City Manager & City Council Commissioners End