Washington Government Structure and Powers

How Washington's Government Affects Our Lives

Federal Government Refresher

• The structure of Washington's government mirrors the federal government.

• The US Constitution is the foundation of the federal government.

• Three branches:

  • _______________: Congress (House of Representatives and Senate)

  • _______________: President and Vice President

  • _______________: Federal/State Courts, US Supreme Court

Washington's Government

US Government vs. Washington State Government

• US Government (Federal):

  • Enforces US ______________

  • Three Branches:

    • Executive: ____________, VP, and cabinet

    • Legislative: House of __________________and Senate (Congress)

    • Judicial: US ___________ Court

• Washington State Government:

  • Enforces WA State Constitution

  • Three Branches

    • Executive: ___________ and Lt. Governor

    • Legislative: House of Representatives and _________________ (WA Legislature)

    • Judicial: WA _________Supreme Court

Powers of States

• The _________ Amendment reserves powers not specifically given to the federal government to the states and the people.

• Examples:

  • Establishing and operating ____________

  • Establishing ________governments

  • Licensing systems

  • Regulating transportation and sales between states

  • Conducting state ___________

  • Licensing marriages and setting marriage laws

  • Any other powers not specifically given to the ______________ government

Local Governments

• Broken down into _______and ________governments.

• Counties: Large areas that help run state government services like courts and elections. Washington has _____counties.

• Cities: Smaller areas with more people, focused on local services like police and parks. Washington has ______cities.

Counties

• Act as local extensions of state government and are the ones to enforce state laws and regulations.

• General Responsibilities:

  • Law enforcement and _____

  • Local courts and judicial administration

  • Elections and voter __________

  • Public health and social services

  • __________ and infrastructure maintenance

• Funded by _______taxes, sales taxes, fees, and state/federal grants.

Cities

• Most cities use a mayor-council system.

• Officials are elected by city residents.

• General Responsibilities:

  • Police and fire departments

  • ______and recreation

  • Zoning and land use _________

  • _________(water, sewer, etc.)

  • Roads and public transportation within city limits

Tribal Government

• There are currently ______federally recognized tribes in Washington, each with their own individual governments.

• These tribes have __________________________, which means they have the right to govern and rule over matters involving tribal members AND most issues that happen within their ___________ lands.

Tribal Government Powers and Responsibilities

• Tribal governments have the power to:

  • Create their own systems of _______________

  • Enforce laws through tribal _____________and courts

  • Decide who qualifies as a tribal __________

  • Establish and enforce civil and criminal laws

  • Tax, license, and regulate activities

  • Remove people who break or violate ________

• They are responsible for services on tribal lands, including:

  • _____________

  • Law enforcement and judicial systems

  • Health care

  • _________________protection

  • Building and maintaining infrastructure like, housing, ___________and _____________, public buildings and electrical grids