What is Washington D.C.?
You will be surprised to know that some people believe that New York is the capital of the U.S, as it's the largest and probably the best known city in the country. Well, it really WAS the first capital of the United States once the Constitution was ratified. The creation of a capital district located on the country's East Coast began in 1790. Since 1800, Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia is the capital of the United States.
Note from history: The U.S. Constitution provided for a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Congress, that's why the District is not a part of any U.S. state.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
98 Comments
Kevin Dale Streets
Washington is the city; DC is the District of Columbia.
John Robert Hurley
Although I answered "Federal District" that's actually the wrong answer.
Saying Washington, D.C., is like saying Phoenix, Arizona. It's naming a city and also indicating the larger political subdivision of which it is a part. In this case, Washington is a city, and District of Columbia is the federal district.
Patty K
It is a city IN a district. If you ask a question like this, get your options straight
GONavarini
There are no county subdivisions in the District of Columbia, but it is considered a county subdivision equivalent for the purposes of data presentation.
The District of Columbia has one city, Washington, which is coextensive with the District of Columbia.
Karen Copus
I answered the right answer and got it wrong !
dmarkc
Congress runs D.C. The city can pass laws, but Congress can overturn those. And the city can't have congressional representation. I can't see Congress allowing statehood and just handing over power. Why would they. It's a lock. Any doubts as to why pot is legal in D.C? You'd love to work in a city where you make the laws.
Brian Reynolds
The District of Columbia is made up of land ceded by Maryland & Virginia
JohnnyRoulette
Terrible question and answers. It is a federal district and a city. It has a mayor. There is a mayor of Washington DC. This is a train wreck question. Almost everyone will pick a right answer, many will be told they were wrong when they weren’t
Mary Wilson
Similarly, Canberra is the capital of Australia, situated in the Australian Capital Territory, its own area, not in in one of the Australian states.
Sue Fairweather
Got it
Gail Nemetz
Cari G., Yes. 50 states plus DC.
Alec Boreham
Wrong , it's the capital city of America
Alan Waites
If Washington is the Capital of the USA then it must be a city, surely
Cari G.
Is it counted as a state? Are there 50 states and also DC?
Jon Cowie
I believe that I was taught that Washington is a city that is in the District of Columbia.
teacherchicky
It IS a federal district but it is also a city
Grant McIntosh
It's a city, whatever else it is. Another very poor question that the reviewers should not have let through..