WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNMENT Separation of Powers Just like

WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNMENT

Separation of Powers Just like the United States federal government, Washington State’s government shares power between three branches. Legislative Branch: Makes Laws Executive Branch: Enforces Laws Judicial Branch: Interprets Laws We, the people (Republic: Representative Democracy)

Statehood timeline 1848 -Oregon Territory (including WA) established 1853 -Washington Territory established 1878 -Washington Territory citizens vote for statehood; Congress does not approve Washington is admitted as the 42 nd state to the United States of America on November 11, 1889.

First elected officials On October 1, 1889, Washington voters ratify the state's first constitution and elect the first state officials. Republican Elisha P. Ferry (1825 -1895) is elected governor. The new constitution is ratified by a majority of four to one with approximately 51, 000 men casting votes.

Capitol Building: Olympia Territorial Capitol Circa 1889

Legislative Branch The legislative branch is made up of a “bicameral” legislature, meaning there are “two parts” or houses. One house is called the Senate and the other is the House of Representatives.

Who are these representatives? Ø Washington State has 49 legislative districts. Voters in each district elect one Senator and two representatives to the House. Ø Senators serve four year terms while members of the House of Representatives have two year terms. Ø To run for office, a person must be a U. S. citizen, a qualified voter and a resident of the district they represent.

5 th and 47 th district representatives 5 th district reps Senator Mark Mullet (D) Rep. Chad Magendanz (R) Rep. Jay Rodne (R) 47 th district rep Senator Joe Fain (R) Rep. Mike Hargrove (R) Rep. Pat Sullivan (D)

Responsibilities Ø Meet for 60 or 105 day sessions (depending on the year) Ø Make laws and establish the budget Ø Serve on a variety of committees Ø Bills must pass in both houses in order for them to move onto the governor Ø Can override a veto with a 2/3 majority

EXECUTIVE BRANCH v ENFORCES LAWS, MAKES SURE THEY ARE FOLLOWED v HEADED BY GOVERNOR; MAY VETO, SIGN, OR IGNORE BILLS v DEPARTMENTS LIKE THE FOLLOWING HELP CARRY OUT THE LAWS; Department of Corrections, Department of Health, Department of Licensing, Department of Fish and Wildlife, etc.

Who is in charge? • Jay Inslee, Governor (D) • Elected by the voters of the state • Represents people in every part of the state

Jobs of the Governor • To see that all agencies are running smoothly and effectively • To prepare a budget for the state and oversee the spending of money • To recommend to the legislature laws that should be passed • To enforce the laws of the state

JUDICIAL BRANCH Interprets laws; decides how the laws should be used and followed n Can remove any law that is found to be unconstitutional n Headed by the Supreme Court who can make the final decision on any case they choose n

COURT SYSTEM

Municipal/Justice Court n n Busiest of all the courts One judge; no jury; arguments can be heard, settlements are usually final Handles small cases like: small claims, small (misdemeanor) cases, traffic offenses, divorce, child custody, etc. Considered a lower court

Superior/Trial Court n n One judge and a jury; arguments can be heard Many cases do get appealed, but not all Handles only large and important cases like: major (felony) cases, large dollar lawsuits, etc. Considered a lower court

n n Famous Mc. Donald’s Lawsuit: http: //www. upworthy. com/ever-hearabout-the-lady-that-spilled-coffee-onherself-at-mcdonalds-then-sued-formillions? g=2&c=ufb 1

Court of Appeals n n Seven justices; no jury; no arguments can be heard Reads and reviews decisions made in the lower courts that are appealed to the court Can overturn any decision made in the lower courts Considered a higher court

Court of Appeals Continued n Three divisions n Division I – Seattle n Division II – Tacoma n Division III - Spokane

Supreme Court n n n Nine justices; no jury; arguments can be heard Reads, reviews, listens to any case the justices feel is necessary The justices decide what cases they will hear

Supreme Court Continued n n The cases they see are usually surrounding the following: an interpretation of a complicated law, an interpretation of the Constitution, the outcome of a tough decision is in question Can overturn any previous decision from the lower courts of Court of Appeals

Current State Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez Justice Charles Wiggins Justice Chief Justice Charles Johnson Barbara Madsen Justice Sheryl Justice Mary Fairhurst Gordon-Mc. Cloud Justice Debra Stephens Justice Susan Owens Justice James Johnson

Supreme Court Continued n Considered the Court of Last Resort, the highest court, the head of the Judicial Branch First state Supreme Court, 1889

Supreme Court Oral Argument Room n Circa 1960