What laws govern the situation in Washington, D.C.? Let’s discover the civics lesson in our nation’s latest controversy.
The District of Columbia has been under Home Rule since 1973. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 provided a framework for local governance by citizens of the District. The federal government retains oversight responsibilities.
What Does the Constitution Say?
First, here is what the U.S. Constitution says about the District of Columbia in
Article 1, section 8: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;
What do we learn about laws governing our nation’s capital? The Federal government controls federal property.
The District is limited in size to 10 square miles.
The District is the Seat of the United States government.
The original Constitution gave Congress control over the District of Columbia.
What about Home Rule?
Next, let’s look at the Home Rule Act of 1973:
SEC. 601. [D.C. Official Code’ 1-206.01] Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Act, the Congress of the United States reserves the right, at any time, to exercise its constitutional Authority as legislature for the District, by enacting Legislation for the District on any subject, whether within or without the scope of legislative power granted to the Council by this Act, including Legislation to amend or repeal any law in force in the District prior to or after enactment of this Act and any act passed by the Council.
The U.S. Congress reserves the right at ANY time to exercise its constitutional Authority (two essential words) to legislate for the District by enacting laws on any subject. This power supersedes any local power of the District of Columbia Council.
Article IV, section 3: “The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.”
What Role Does the President Have?
What Authority, if any, does the U.S. President have in this matter? The President can still play a significant role in shaping local laws and policies by collaborating with Congress, even lobbying them, particularly when federal interests are at stake. Additionally, Article II states that the President is responsible for ensuring that federal laws are faithfully executed. He has what is called “ordinance power.” Examples are issuing executive orders or using Authority to call the military into service to ensure that a federal law is enforced.
In Conclusion
It is reassuring to know that laws govern the actions of the President and Congress regarding our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These actions are not arbitrary but are subject to the authority of United States laws. While most of us do not live there, this is our nation’s capital. It is our city, and we, the People, want our capital to be safe for every American.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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