Get Involved! 

The United States is a country where every citizen has an opportunity to make a difference by getting involved in your community, your state and even the Federal government.  One person can make a difference!  As citizens of the greatest country on earth, we have an obligation to become involved and protect our freedom!   How do you get involved?  It starts by being informed then becoming involved!  

·         Learn how your state government and legislature function 

Government in the United States fundamentally operates the same, with the model based upon the Federal Constitution and structure. 

For example like the U.S. Constitution, every state has a state constitution.  Likewise the states have three branches of government:  the Executive Branch, (represented by the Governor); the Legislative Branch, (usually composed of a State Senate and State House of Representatives);  and the Judicial Branch, (headed by the State Supreme Court with lower courts beneath it). 

All states have a Governor and various other elected officials which typically include the Lt. Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Auditor, (some states have others as well). 

All states, except one, have a bicameral legislature, which means that the legislature is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives.  Every state is divided up by legislative districts, (determined by population), from which the Senators and Representatives are elected by the voters within that district.  There is a great variety among the states however, as to the number of Senators and Representatives. 

Most state legislatures meet for a set period each year which is the case for both Washington and Idaho.  Some states, like Oregon, only meet every other year. 

            Click Washington to learn more about Washington Government
            Click Idaho to learn more about Idaho Government   

·         Get Involved in the Legislative Process 

Two of ABC’s standing committees are the Idaho and Washington Government Affairs committees.  These committees meet regularly to monitor issues of importance to ABC members and be involved in legislative and regulatory activities. 
 
If you are interested in joining either of the Government Affairs Committees please contact Kate McCaslin, President-CEO at (509) 534-0826 or via email katemccaslin@ipcabc.org.