Government of Washington (state)

2014 Org Chart WA

Washington State Senate chamber

Dayton Courthouse

Everett - County Campus

Overview of the government of Washington state

The Government of Washington is the governmental structure of the state of Washington as established by the Washington State Constitution. The government is composed of three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

Executive branch

The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Washington, who is elected for a four-year term. Other elected officials in the executive branch include the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Commissioner of Public Lands, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Governor

The Governor of Washington is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for ensuring that state laws are executed. The governor has the power to sign or veto legislation, call special sessions of the legislature, and grant pardons.

Other executive officials

• The Lieutenant Governor of Washington acts as the president of the Washington State Senate and assumes the role of governor if the governor is unable to perform their duties.
• The Washington State Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the state.
• The Washington State Secretary of State oversees elections, corporations, and the state archives.
• The Washington State Treasurer is responsible for the state's financial assets.
• The Washington State Auditor conducts audits of state agencies and local governments.
• The Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands manages state-owned lands and resources.
• The Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees public education in the state.

Legislative branch

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the Washington State Senate and the Washington House of Representatives. The Senate has 49 members, each representing a legislative district, while the House has 98 members, with two representatives from each district. The legislature meets annually to pass laws, adopt budgets, and address issues facing the state.

Washington State Senate

The Washington State Senate is the upper chamber of the legislature. Senators serve four-year terms, with half of the seats up for election every two years.

Washington House of Representatives

The Washington House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the legislature. Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years.

Judicial branch

The judicial branch of Washington is responsible for interpreting state laws and administering justice. The highest court in the state is the Washington Supreme Court, which has nine justices elected to six-year terms. Below the Supreme Court is the Washington Court of Appeals, which is divided into three divisions. The state also has superior courts, district courts, and municipal courts.

Washington Supreme Court

The Washington Supreme Court is the court of last resort in the state. It reviews decisions made by lower courts and has the authority to interpret the state constitution.

Washington Court of Appeals

The Washington Court of Appeals hears appeals from lower courts and is divided into three geographic divisions.

Lower courts

• Washington Superior Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction.
• Washington District Courts handle misdemeanors, small claims, and civil cases.
• Washington Municipal Courts handle cases involving violations of city ordinances.

Related pages

• Washington State Constitution
• Governor of Washington
• Washington State Legislature
• Washington Supreme Court
• Washington State Senate
• Washington House of Representatives
• Washington State Attorney General
• Washington State Secretary of State
• Washington State Treasurer
• Washington State Auditor
• Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
• Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction

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