Explore DC Reference Sheet

This reference sheet is organized to align with the content presented on our Explore D.C. page. It serves as a companion resource, offering source-backed insights into Washington, D.C.’s government structure, demographics, public safety, and cultural landscape. All references are drawn from publicly available government and institutional data, verified as of 2025. 

1. Is Washington, D.C. STATE?
 Washington, D.C. was established in 1790 as a federally designated district—not a U.S. state—through a constitutional compromise intended to create a politically neutral capital. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress full legislative authority over the District, which remains under federal oversight despite having its own locally elected government.

Source 1: Article I, Section 8, Clause 17
Source 1 Website: here 
APA Reference: U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 17.
Source 2: U.S. House of Representatives
Source 2 Website: here
APA Reference: U.S. House of Representatives. (2021). District of Columbia Home Rule Act Oversight Hearing. https://www.congress.gov/hearing/117th-congress/house-hearing/113413

2. Local Government Structure
 The D.C. government consists of an elected Mayor and a 13-member Council. The Council includes 8 Ward Members and 5 At-Large Members, balancing neighborhood-level and citywide representation.
 
Source 1 Name: Council of the District of Columbia – Handbook CP-24
Source 1 Website: Here
APA Reference: Council of the District of Columbia. (2021). Council Handbook: CP-24. https://dccouncil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Council-Handbook-CP-24.pdf
Source 2 Name: Office of the D.C. Auditor
Source 2 Website: Here
APA Reference: Office of the D.C. Auditor. (2021). Reports and resources. https://dcauditor.org
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 3. Council Composition (Graph Reference)
 The 13-member D.C. Council includes 8 Ward Members (63%) and 5 At-Large Members (38%), including the Council Chair. Ward Members represent specific districts, while At-Large Members are elected by citywide vote.
 
Source Name: Council of the District of Columbia – Handbook CP-24
Source Website: Here
APA Reference: Council of the District of Columbia. (2021). Council Handbook: CP-24. https://dccouncil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Council-Handbook-CP-24.pdf

​4. D.C. by Quadrant
D.C. is divided into four quadrants—NW, NE, SW, and SE—with the U.S. Capitol as the central axis. Landmarks such as the White House, Georgetown, and Union Station are located across these quadrants.
 
Source Name: District Department of Transportation
Source Website: Here
APA Reference: District Department of Transportation. (2023). Understanding D.C. quadrant design. https://ddot.dc.gov
 
5. Attractions and Engagement
D.C. hosts over 20 Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and diverse arts venues. In 2023, the Smithsonian Institution reported 17 million visitors, highlighting D.C.’s cultural and civic appeal.
 
Source 1 Name: Smithsonian Institution
Source 1 Website: Here
APA Reference: Smithsonian Institution. (2023). Smithsonian Institution fact sheets. https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/factsheets
Source 2 Name: Destination DC
Source 2 Website: Here
APA Reference: Destination DC. (2024). 2024 visitation statistics. https://washington.org
 
 
6. Demographics and Safety
 D.C. is home to about 679,000 residents and boasts a diverse population shaped by government workers, students, and diplomats. In 2024, the city experienced a 35% decline in violent crime, supported by data-informed policing and revitalization programs.
 
Source 1 Name: U.S. Census Bureau
Source 1 Website: Here
APA Reference: U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: District of Columbia. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/DC
 Source 2 Name: Metropolitan Police Department
Source 2 Website: Here
APA Reference: Metropolitan Police Department. (2025). Crime data at a glance. https://mpdc.dc.gov/dailycrime