What is the capital of the United States?
Washington DC has been the capital of the United States since 1800. This federal city is home to all three branches of American government: the executive (White House), legislative (Congress), and judicial (Supreme Court).
Washington DC, Federal Capital
Washington DC (District of Columbia) has been the capital of the United States since 1800. This federal city, located between Maryland and Virginia, concentrates all American political power.
The Three Powers in Washington
- Executive Power: the White House, residence of the American president
- Legislative Power: the Capitol, seat of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
- Judicial Power: the Supreme Court of the United States
Former Capitals
Before Washington DC, several cities served as temporary capitals: Philadelphia (1790-1800), New York (1785-1790), Annapolis (1783-1784), and Princeton (1783). The choice of Washington DC resulted from a political compromise to create a neutral federal capital.