IV.

Government and Politics

Unlike any other part of the United States, Washington lacks full political representation. While its political structure has changed over time, the city has remained subordinate to the federal government. The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States (ratified in 1961), gave residents the right to vote for president and vice-president for the first time. Since this time, the District of Columbia has held three electoral votes in presidential elections (see Electoral College). However, residents do not have voting representation in the US Congress. Since 1971, citizens of Washington, D.C. have been represented in the House of Representatives by a non-voting delegate. This representative is allowed to sit on committees and participate in debates, but is not entitled to vote. Washington, D.C. is not represented in the Senate.