Ace the Civic Literacy Challenge 2025 – Unlock Your Citizen Superpower!

The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. This city was established as the nation’s capital in 1800 and has since served as the center of the federal government. Washington, D.C. was specifically chosen for its location between the northern and southern states, which was intended to promote unity during the early years of the republic. As the seat of all three branches of government—the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—Washington, D.C. houses important institutions such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court.

In contrast, other cities listed, like New York City and Los Angeles, are significant urban centers but do not hold the designation of the nation's capital. Chicago, while a major city in the Midwest, similarly does not serve this official function. Understanding the significance of Washington, D.C. in the context of U.S. history and government is key to recognizing its role as the capital.