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Questions and Answers
What year was the area that became Washington, D.C. established as the permanent seat of the federal government?
What year was the area that became Washington, D.C. established as the permanent seat of the federal government?
Which states border the District of Columbia?
Which states border the District of Columbia?
What significant change occurred to the District of Columbia in the mid-19th century?
What significant change occurred to the District of Columbia in the mid-19th century?
What is the area of the District of Columbia?
What is the area of the District of Columbia?
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Which of the following accurately describes the governance structure of Washington, D.C. since 1974?
Which of the following accurately describes the governance structure of Washington, D.C. since 1974?
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What is a notable characteristic of Washington, D.C. as a city?
What is a notable characteristic of Washington, D.C. as a city?
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Which geographical feature does Washington, D.C. sit on?
Which geographical feature does Washington, D.C. sit on?
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How much has the population of Washington, D.C. changed from 2000 to 2010?
How much has the population of Washington, D.C. changed from 2000 to 2010?
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What does the term 'metropolitan area' refer to in the context of Washington, D.C.?
What does the term 'metropolitan area' refer to in the context of Washington, D.C.?
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What contributed to Washington, D.C.'s population loss during the last half of the 20th century?
What contributed to Washington, D.C.'s population loss during the last half of the 20th century?
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What was the primary reason for the central location of Washington, D.C.?
What was the primary reason for the central location of Washington, D.C.?
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What geographical feature borders Washington, D.C. on the east and south?
What geographical feature borders Washington, D.C. on the east and south?
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Which statement accurately describes the climate of Washington, D.C.?
Which statement accurately describes the climate of Washington, D.C.?
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What effect did the bridging of Rock Creek Park have on Washington's development?
What effect did the bridging of Rock Creek Park have on Washington's development?
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How much land in Washington, D.C. is owned by the U.S. government?
How much land in Washington, D.C. is owned by the U.S. government?
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Which city experienced a significant population increase alongside Washington, D.C. during the latter part of the 20th century?
Which city experienced a significant population increase alongside Washington, D.C. during the latter part of the 20th century?
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What is the average winter daytime temperature in Washington, D.C.?
What is the average winter daytime temperature in Washington, D.C.?
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What ancient people contributed to the name of the Anacostia River?
What ancient people contributed to the name of the Anacostia River?
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Which season has typically longer conditions in Washington, D.C.?
Which season has typically longer conditions in Washington, D.C.?
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Which high-temperature conditions can occur in the summer in Washington, D.C.?
Which high-temperature conditions can occur in the summer in Washington, D.C.?
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Study Notes
Washington, D.C.: Capital City Overview
- Washington, D.C., is the capital of the USA, coextensive with the District of Columbia.
- Located on the Potomac River, bordered by Maryland and Virginia.
- Originally a 100-square-mile territory established in 1790.
- Central location on the Eastern Seaboard, approximately 90 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
- Size reduced after the Civil War as Virginia ceded land.
- A federal territory, not a state, governed by a mayor and council with congressional oversight.
- Washington metropolitan area spans nearly 4,000 square miles, encompassing surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties.
District Demographics and Economy
- 2000 population: 572,059
- 2010 population: 601,723
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria MSA pop. in 2000/2010 : 3,727,565/4,377,088
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metro Area pop. in 2000/2010: 4,796,183/5,582,170
- Significant portion of land owned by the US government, exempt from taxes.
- Many federal government workers in the metropolitan area.
- Suburbanization during the latter half of the 20th century affected population.
- Revitalization and growth in recent years.
- Significant economic interdependence with surrounding Maryland and Virginia.
Geography and City Design
- Built on a low, wide peninsula with gentle undulations.
- Bounded by the Potomac River and Anacostia River (trading names).
- Surrounding terraces rise to about 400 feet above sea level.
- Rock Creek Park, a natural ravine, separated earlier development.
- Originally planned to be an important commercial port.
- Development in the north and west was limited until the late 1800s with the bridging of the ravine and the introduction of public transportation.
Climate
- Temperate climate with high humidity.
- Evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year, averaging 3-4 inches per month.
- Damp winters with moderate temperatures (mid-30s °F/2 °C).
- Occasional, quick-melting wet snow possible.
- Summer daytime average temperatures in the mid-70s °F (~24°C).
- Potential for high temperatures exceeding 100°F.
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Description
Explore the essential facts about Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Learn about its geographical location, historical background, and key demographics. This quiz will test your knowledge of the area's population growth and economic factors.
