Washington, D.C.: Not in a State, Between Two

D.C.'s Unique Constitutional Status

Washington, D.C. is a federal district, not part of any state. It borders two states but belongs to neither.

Bordering Jurisdictions

• Maryland: North, east, southeast (donated land 1790)
• Virginia: Southwest, west (donated land 1790, retroceded 1847)

Why This Matters

• No voting representation in Congress (1 non-voting Delegate)
• No Senators
• Local laws subject to Congressional review
• Residents pay federal taxes without full representation ("Taxation Without Representation" on license plates)

Common Confusion

Addresses: "Washington, D.C." not "Washington, MD" or "Washington, VA." Metro area extends into both states (Montgomery/PG counties MD; Arlington/Fairfax/Alexandria VA).

Statehood Movement

H.R. 51 / S. 51 would admit "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth" as 51st state, shrinking federal district to core monuments. Passed House 2021, stalled in Senate.