Flashcards on Washington D.C.: History, Government, and Landmarks

Washington D.C.: History, Government, & Landmarks Guide

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What is Washington, D.C.'s full name abbreviation and what does it stand for?

D.C. = District of Columbia (Columbia referring to Christopher Columbus); it is the seat of government, not a state.

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Washington, D.C. (City Overview)

19 cards

Card 1

Question: What is Washington, D.C.'s full name abbreviation and what does it stand for?

Answer: D.C. = District of Columbia (Columbia referring to Christopher Columbus); it is the seat of government, not a state.

Card 2

Question: Which river is Washington, D.C. situated on and which two states surround it?

Answer: The Potomac River; surrounded by Virginia and Maryland.

Card 3

Question: Where on the US is Washington, D.C. located geographically?

Answer: On the East Coast in the central eastern part of the United States.

Card 4

Question: Why is Washington, D.C. not considered a US state?

Answer: Because it is the seat of the federal government and designated as the District of Columbia rather than a state.

Card 5

Question: Who was Washington, D.C. named after and what was his role?

Answer: Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Card 6

Question: Approximately how many inhabitants live in Washington, D.C., and what is the approximate racial composition given in the content?

Answer: About 700,000 inhabitants; roughly 70% Black and 30% White.

Card 7

Question: How is the city of Washington, D.C. divided around the Capitol?

Answer: Split into four quadrants centered on the Capitol: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast.

Card 8

Question: What urban design scheme did Pierre L’Enfant begin for the city and when?

Answer: In 1790 Pierre L’Enfant began a classic grid scheme with the Capitol in the middle and four quadrants around it.

Card 9

Question: How are streets and avenues organized in Washington, D.C.?

Answer: Streets are numbered running north to south; avenues are named after states and run east–west or radiate outward.

Card 10

Question: What restriction exists regarding building heights in Washington, D.C.?

Answer: No building can be taller than the Capitol.