2006-08-16 06:07:32 · 13 answers · asked by Paola S 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
In short, its governmental unit is a district. But it is also a city that is not part of any state (it's surrounded by Maryland and Virginia). It has many powers of a local government - i.e., schools, library system - and also of a state government, i.e. voter registration and department of motor vehicles. And also has some federal control and gets a lot of federal funding for "security" and stuff because so much of the property in DC is federally owned (and therefore not eligible for local property tax revenue).
It is NOT a territory that is equivalent to Puerto Rico or Guam, although as someone said residents there only get limited representation in Congress. So in some ways it is similar to a territory... even though it is considered a district and not a terriroy. They have one representative to the House of Representatives who is not allowed to vote but can meet with house committees and debate and such. Many people (myself included) feel that this is less than fair, since DC residents do pay federal taxes.
2006-08-16 06:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by Mike R 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
None of the above or all of the above--it's a mess.
It is a "District" of the United States, so like a territory it has some self governance but is basically under the control of Congress. Residents of DC do not get representation in the Senate, and only one representative in the House (I'm not sure if that rep is allowed to vote). It is also a city--it elects a mayor and council and makes laws for itself. Certain areas of the city, however, do not fall under the control of DC government--federal areas, the monuments at the Mall, and so on are monitored by the Capitol Police and Congress.
'Taxation without Representation' is a motto that appears on DC license plates for this reason. They have little or no say in the government that taxes them and in many ways governs them.
2006-08-16 06:23:34 · answer #2 · answered by wayfaroutthere 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's considered a district.
That's what the DC stands for District of Columbia.
2006-08-16 06:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by batmantis1999 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK It's a District and City and DC stands for District of Columbia
2006-08-16 06:20:26 · answer #4 · answered by Rejith K 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is a district.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington%2C_DC
"Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States of America. 'D.C.' stands for the District of Columbia, the federal district containing the city of Washington.
...
The District of Columbia and the city of Washington are coextensive and are governed by a single municipal government, so for most practical purposes they are considered to be the same entity ..."
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2006-08-16 06:12:24 · answer #5 · answered by cotopaxi 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
District of Columbia
2006-08-16 06:22:33 · answer #6 · answered by pete 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A district and a city.
2006-08-16 06:16:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go back to history class it is a district. It was swamp land given up by the states of Maryland and Virgina.
2006-08-16 06:13:10 · answer #8 · answered by ramblin guy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
city district
2006-08-16 06:12:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's a district that gets the government benefits of a state, though it isn't counted as one.
2006-08-16 06:12:46 · answer #10 · answered by John K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋