Washington, DC Political Geography Quiz
Federal district status, representation issues (10 questions).
Washington, DC Political Geography Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, holds a unique and often debated political status. Established as a federal district rather than a state, its residents face distinct challenges regarding full representation in the U.S. Congress, despite contributing to federal taxes and participating in national elections through the Electoral College.
Key Aspects of DC’s Political Geography
Not a state, created by the Constitution to avoid influence of any single state on the federal government.
DC residents pay federal taxes but lack voting members in Congress, a historic grievance.
Grants DC 3 electoral votes in presidential elections, equal to the smallest states.
Ongoing efforts to grant DC full statehood to ensure voting representation, often proposed as “Douglass Commonwealth.”
Key Takeaways
- Washington, D.C. is a federal district, not a state, a status defined by Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution.
- DC residents pay federal taxes but do not have full voting representation in the U.S. Congress.
- The 23rd Amendment grants Washington, D.C. three electoral votes for presidential elections.
- A non-voting delegate represents DC in the U.S. House of Representatives, able to vote in committee but not on the House floor.
- Congress retains plenary authority over DC’s local governance, with the power to approve or reject local laws and budgets.
- The DC statehood movement seeks to grant full voting rights and legislative autonomy to its more than 700,000 residents, often proposing the name “Douglass Commonwealth.”
- Arguments for statehood often center on civil rights, democratic principles, and the fact that DC’s population and economic output surpass those of some existing states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t Washington, DC a state?
Washington, DC was established as a federal district by Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution to serve as the nation’s capital, ensuring it would not be beholden to any single state.
Do Washington, DC residents pay federal taxes?
Yes, residents of Washington, DC pay all applicable federal income, payroll, and other taxes, just like citizens in U.S. states, despite lacking full voting representation in Congress.
How many electoral votes does DC have?
The 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants Washington, DC three electoral votes in presidential elections, which is the same number as the least populous state.
What is the “taxation without representation” issue in DC?
This phrase refers to the fact that DC residents pay federal taxes but do not have a voting representative in the U.S. Senate or a full voting representative in the House of Representatives, a situation reminiscent of colonial grievances.
What is the proposed name for DC if it becomes a state?
Recent statehood bills in Congress have proposed renaming the new state “Douglass Commonwealth,” in honor of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, with a small federal district remaining for national government buildings.
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