D.C. Voting Rights Overview
Issues and Options
The Constitution, ratified in 1789, provided for the creation and governance of a permanent home for the national government. Article I, Section 8, clause 17, called for the creation of a Federal district to serve as the permanent seat of the new national government and granted Congress the 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. … Issues for Debate Proponents of voting representation contend that the District’s unique…
