New Jersey State Bar Foundation

The federal government in Washington, D.C. is under federal control and not dependent upon any state for protection. Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, referred to as the “District Clause,” reads: “The Congress shall have Power…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…”

This reading about the representation of D.C. residents includes a historical overview and has writing/ discussion questions and glossary.

 tags: 23rd Amendment, U.S. territories, statehood