What is Washington, D.C.?
Q: What is Washington, D.C.?
A: Washington, D.C., also known as simply Washington or D.C., and officially as the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States and a federal district.
Q: Who was it named after?
A: It was named after the first U.S. President George Washington.
Q: What does "D.C." stand for?
A: "D.C." stands for "District of Columbia".
Q: Where is it located?
A: The District of Columbia is located on the north side of the Potomac River, made up originally from pieces from Virginia south of the Potomac River and a piece from Maryland north of the Potomac River before Virginia's piece was returned to it in 1847.
Q: What branches of government are based here?
A: Since 1800, all three branches of government - Congress, President, and Supreme Court - have been based in the District of Columbia. All major political parties are also based there.
Q: What other organizations are headquartered in D.C.?
A: The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Organization Of American States (OAS) are all headquartered in D.C..
Q: Why do many groups often hold large demonstrations here?
A: Many groups often hold large demonstrations and protests here because it is home to both the President and important to American politics. These demonstrations usually take place at National Mall which has many monuments and museums
