Which power does Article I, Section 8 grant Congress regarding the District of Columbia?

Which power does Article I, Section 8 grant Congress regarding the District of Columbia?

• A. To regulate commerce with foreign nations
• B. To set up a district to act as the seat of government of the US
• C. To declare war
• D. To establish a national church

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that Congress has explicit authority over the federal District of Columbia to create and govern the nation’s capital. Article I, Section 8 includes the District Clause, giving Congress exclusive legislation over a district not exceeding ten miles square that is ceded by states to become the seat of the federal government. This allows Congress to establish and regulate the district itself, making it the national capital rather than part of any state. That’s why the correct choice describes setting up a district to act as the seat of government. The other options refer to general congressional powers or concepts not specific to the District of Columbia.

The key idea is that Congress has explicit authority over the federal District of Columbia to create and govern the nation’s capital. Article I, Section 8 includes the District Clause, giving Congress exclusive legislation over a district not exceeding ten miles square that is ceded by states to become the seat of the federal government. This allows Congress to establish and regulate the district itself, making it the national capital rather than part of any state. That’s why the correct choice describes setting up a district to act as the seat of government. The other options refer to general congressional powers or concepts not specific to the District of Columbia.