1. Washington State History
Geography and Government

2. Overview of Resources Textbook – Chapters 1, 2, and 13
Teacher Resources
Chapter 1, page 23
Chapter 2, page 31
Chapter 13, all activities
Outline Maps

3. 5 Regions of Washington State
Coastal Range
Puget Sound Lowlands
Cascade Range
Columbia Plateau
Rocky Mountain
Within which region is your most notable city located?
(Page 11)

4. Coastal Range Varied elevation from sea level to 8000ft.
Mild and moist climate that supports dense forests and lush vegetation
Temperatures – Winter 35-55F, Summer 55-75F
More than 40 inches of precipitation per year, western side of Olympics more than 200 inches a year.
Sparsely populated
Economic activities: fishing, forestry, farming, tourism
(Page 12)

6. Puget Sound Lowlands
Generally hilly, river valleys, flood plains, evergreen forests.
Similar climate to Coastal Range, slightly warmer.
inches of rain, average 40 inches of rain.
Temperatures: winter 35-55, summer
Most of Washington’s population lives here.
Economic activities: forest products, transportation equipment, electronics, high tech, farming
(Page 12)

8. Cascade Range Physical, climatic, and transportation barrier
Elevation 4,000 to 14,000 ft. Mt. Rainier 14,411 ft.
Active volcanoes
West side moist and mile climate
East side dry and extreme climate
Precipitation: western side 100 inches, eastern side 20 inches
Sparsely populated
Mostly state and federal owned land – parks, forests and wilderness areas
Economic activities: logging, mining, tourism
(Page 14)

10. Columbia Plateau
Constructed by 55 lava flows covering 193,000 square miles
Hot, sunny summers with temperatures exceeding 100F, cold winters with temperatures below 0F
Below 20 inches precipitation
Grassland, pine trees
Sparsely populated
Economic activities: agriculture, manufactured products, hydroelectric power, aluminum, nuclear facilities, food processing, high tech, aerospace, transportation equipment, tourism, recreation, wood products, mining
(Page 16)

12. Rocky Mountains Physically rugged and isolated
Harsh climates – temperatures depend on elevation
Grasses and forest
Sparsely populated
Economic activities: cattle and sheep ranching, hunting, tourism
(Page 20)

14. East vs. West
The Cascade Mountains act as a barrier between the two sides of Washington State.
What words would you use to contrast Eastern Washington and Western Washington?
Example: moist vs. dry

15. The Rainshadow Effect Read page 9
Create a visual image that that describes the Rainshadow Effect.
Focus on what happens with air and moisture.
3-5 steps in process

16. Rainshadow Effect Example

18. How is your most notable place impacted by the Rainshadow Effect?

19. Geography Resources Websites United Streaming
Outline Maps and Geographic Information about Washington State
Infoplease Atlas
USGS Cascades Volcano Observatoryhttp://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/
United Streaming

20. Washington State Government
Similarities to Federal Government:
Constitution
3 Branches
Legislative (Bicameral) – writes laws
Executive – carries out laws
Judicial – interprets laws
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Civil Rights
Bill Process

21. Washington State Government
Differences with Federal Government
Representation
49 Legislative Districts by population
1 Senator, 2 Representatives from each district
State Senator – 4 year term
State Representative – 2 year term
Executive Branch elections (List on p. 219)
Tax structure (p. 220)
Initiatives (p. 220) – Voters write and approve legislation.
Referendums (p. 220) – Legislature writes and refers legislation to voters.
Levels of Government – page 220

22. Tribal Governments Reservations established by treaty
Tulalip – Point Elliot Treaty 1855
Often several different tribes are represented on one reservation
Tulalip - Snohomish, Snoqualmie and Skykomish
Governments established by Constitution
Tulalip
Governed by Council or Committee
Tulalip – Board of Directors, Committees
Provide Government Service
Social Services
Resource Regulation
Law Enforcement
Economic Development
Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs

23. Additional Government Resources
Websites
Washington State
Washington State Legislature Student Page
Snohomish County Government
City of Everett
Washington State Constitution