Civics History
HistoryLink’s civics resources focus on Washington state-specific examples of local governance, tribal sovereignty, and civic engagement. These resources empower students to understand the practical applications of civics and engage with the ongoing dialogues surrounding governance and civic responsibility in their own communities.
State
What do the debates at Washington’s 1889 Constitutional Convention reveal about the priorities and divisions of the new state?
How have Washingtonians used the courts to protect their civil liberties?
Where does our food come from—and why is farming important in Washington?
Jim Ellis: What can the life of Jim Ellis teach us about being citizens in Washington State over the next twenty years?
How were Chinese immigrants treated in Washington Territory—and how did the Chinese Exclusion Act change their lives?
Local
What specific events or people, unique to the county or city where you go to school, have had significant impact on the history of Washington state?
How did Jim Ellis and community members use civic action to clean up Lake Washington—and what can we learn from them today?
How have Washingtonians challenged housing discrimination—and what role should government play in creating fair communities?
520History.org: How can citizens make a difference in matters that affect their neighborhoods?
Jim Ellis: How can we create the region we imagine through civic action?
Jim Ellis: How can we galvanize community action for transformational regional change?
