Simple question: how big can the District of Columbia be? I know that half of it was ceded back to Virginia, so obviously that could have not happened. Other than that, is there any way for a larger US federal district?
Simple question: how big can the District of Columbia be? I know that half of it was ceded back to Virginia, so obviously that could have not happened. Other than that, is there any way for a larger US federal district?
The Constitution answers that, doesn't it?
"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..." (my emphasis) http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
The current area of the District is 68.3 square miles. Before the retrocession to Virginia, it was 100 square miles--the constitutional maximum.
Why was it made so large?it was 100 square miles--the constitutional maximum.
Simple question: how big can the District of Columbia be? I know that half of it was ceded back to Virginia, so obviously that could have not happened. Other than that, is there any way for a larger US federal district?
Why was it made so large?
I always thought people living in D.C. was an accident, but with that much space it seems like you couldn't help but have people living there permanently.
Having the capital city of any country not become a major city doesn't really happen. The government will always attract people.
Honestly - get the building height limit eliminated and retrocede the retrocession.