Civics

Learn Washington Law

Constitutional civics from Karim Merchant — how Washington's government, courts, and Constitution actually work.

Educational note. This article explains constitutional principles and how Washington's government works. It is offered for educational purposes only and is not a promise or prediction about how any future case would be decided.

Constitutional Civics

Who Controls Washington's Wallet?

Some of the Supreme Court's most consequential decisions aren't about speech or criminal law — they're about money, and who gets to decide how public funds are raised and spent.

July 1, 2026 · 9 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

The Do's and Don'ts of Running for Judge in Washington

There are things a candidate for the Supreme Court can say — and things they absolutely cannot. The rules governing judicial elections are some of the strangest in American politics.

July 2, 2026 · 4 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

$30 Car Tabs

The debate over Washington's $30 car tabs was never really about registration fees — it was about how much respect courts owe to laws enacted directly by the people.

July 3, 2026 · 5 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

Washington Supreme Court Strikes Down the People's Term Limit Initiative

In 1992 Washington voters overwhelmingly approved term limits, and the Supreme Court struck them down — raising a deeper question about whether the people can do anything they want through an initiative.

July 4, 2026 · 4 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

Can the People Override the Supreme Court?

Most people think the Supreme Court has the final say — but that's only half true: the Court decides what the Constitution means, while the people decide what it says.

July 5, 2026 · 4 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

How a Bill Becomes a Law in Washington?

Most people can tell you lawmakers pass bills. Far fewer can tell you how it actually happens — or why most bills never make it.

July 6, 2026 · 4 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

How Easy Is It to Become a Judge in Washington?

Most people think judges get elected — but in Washington many first reach the bench by gubernatorial appointment, and that head start can shape every election that follows.

July 7, 2026 · 4 min readRead

Constitutional Civics

The McCleary Era: Education Funding or Judicial Governance?

Few cases have shaped modern Washington government more than McCleary — and its deepest question isn't about education funding at all, but about where judicial review ends and legislative supervision begins.

July 8, 2026 · 5 min readRead