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Overview of Washington State Government and Political History

This document provides a detailed overview of the Washington State government structure, statehood, and key government officials as of September 17, 2009. It discusses the separation of powers, the bicameral legislature, major positions, and various courts within the state. Additionally, it explores initiatives, referenda, and recalls, illustrating the direct power of voters in shaping legislation. The text highlights significant sports subsidies and political reactions, such as the controversial efforts surrounding the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and Sonics, alongside the financial implications for taxpayers.

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Overview of Washington State Government and Political History

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  1. September 17, 2009 Senior Social Studies

  2. Hello Seniors! • Today you need: • “Just the Facts” • Pen/Pencil • Today’s topic: • WA State Government

  3. WA State • Statehood-11/11/1889 • Sep. of Powers • No term limits • Bicameral Legislature

  4. Executive Branch Governor Christine Gregoire (D) Lt. Governor Brad Owens Treasurer Auditor Attorney General Superintendent of Public Instruction Commissioner of Public Lands

  5. State Legislature • House of Reps and Senate • 49 Districts • 2 house representative and 1 senator/district • Snohomish- 44th • Senator Steve Hobbs (D) • Hans Dunshee (D) • John Lovick (D)

  6. State Courts • Supreme Court (9 Justices/Olympia) • State Court of Appeals • Superior Court • Courts of Limited Jurisdiction • Juvenile (Denny Juvenile Justice Center) • District (Cascade, Evergreen, Everett, South District) • Municipal (various locations)

  7. Judges • Judges are nonpartisan (no party) elected positions • Part-time Municipal judges appointed • Supreme Superior and District Court Judges must be admitted to the state bar • 4 year terms

  8. Initiatives, Referenda, Recall • Initiative- voters enact or change laws • Referendum- voters approve or reject legislation • Recall- voter impeachment • Petitions needed to get on ballot

  9. Sports Subsidies • 1995- Mariners’ owners threaten to pull the team • State and city of Seattle raise $500 million for new field (cash, increasing taxes on restaurants, bars and rental cars) • Safeco • 1997- Seahawks need a home • Paul Allen proposes $475 million stadium • He’d give $100 million, the state to pay the rest • Spent $11.5 million campaigning

  10. Sonics Want In • Sonics had worse lease agreement in the NBA (rent/profit making potential of the space) • February 2006- Howard Schultz gives the state an ultimatum

  11. Reaction • Legislators angry about the ultimatum- do nothing in session. • Schultz sells to Clay Bennett • Bennett wants to build a new $500 million arena with $300 million from taxpayers • I-91- Fails • Adios Sonics

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