District of Columbia Self-Government
History of Home Rule
The Council of the District of Columbia is the legislative branch of local government established by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 enacted by Congress and ratified by District voters. The Council is composed of a Chairman elected at large and 12 Members — four of whom are elected at large, and one from each of the District’s eight wards. A Member is elected to serve a four-year term. The Home Rule Act is the result of the ongoing push by District residents for control of their own local affairs. The existing local government is the most…
