The 5th Graders from Lynnwood Elementary went to visit the State Capitol in Olympia with Mr Vande Griend. Each student in our class had to write a report about what they learned during their visit.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of our State Goverment handles and is in charge of all courts. They hear all court cases and decide the verdict. There are 9 justices on the Surpreme Court. On our fieldtrip, we entered the temple of justice. We saw the superior court too. It had a dark wood design. We took part in a mock trial. They decided the case of the Louis Armored Truck Case.

There are four courts . The municipal, the superior, the Court of appeal and the Supreme Court.

That's what I learned of the judicial branch.

Executive Branch

The executive Branch deals with laws. The governor signs bills into laws. We saw the outer office of Governor Gregoire's on our field trip. We also visited the Governor's conference room. There was real gold sewn into the curtains. We were also in the secretary of State's office. Underneath the office was the State Archives. It holds the important documents for the State. Last we saw the governor's mansion. It was made of brick. That's what I learned of the Executive Branch.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch also deals with laws. They make laws and try to get it approved. On our field trip we saw the Capitol Building. It was build in 1928. The Rotunda had a big chandelier that was made of Alaskan marble. The county flags were placed in four corners. We went into the State Reception Room where Paul Shinn talked to us. Last, we saw the House of Representatives and House of Senators. We saw the tally marks on the Reader Board. That's what I learned about the Legislative Branch

Justin C.

5th Grade

Lynnwood Elementary School

Lynnwood, WA

You can find more information

about the State Capitol Monument in Olympia at this site:

http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/facts.htm