The council wanted the project to have a shelf life of at least 10 years. Because previous films on the legislative process were filmed as documentaries, the programs were quickly outdated. Finally, the council wanted a politically neutral program, and while documentaries bring the feel of an actual session into the classroom, they lead to difficult decisions. Once the video format was selected, the rest of the project fell neatly into place. Funding came from the Idaho Legislature's general budget.
Students use a computer with Internet capability to access the Web site.
Preliminary work on the project began in November 1996. The video was filmed during the summer of 1997. The legislative council began sending out the videos statewide in late 1997, and it sends more videos out each month. The program requires no ongoing funding. Research so far shows the program works.