Washington, D.C.: Overview and Demographics

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What year was the area that became Washington, D.C. established as the permanent seat of the federal government?

  • 1790 (correct)
  • 1801
  • 1789
  • 1865

Which states border the District of Columbia?

  • Virginia and West Virginia
  • Maryland and Virginia (correct)
  • Maryland and Delaware
  • Pennsylvania and Maryland

What significant change occurred to the District of Columbia in the mid-19th century?

  • It became a state.
  • Maryland annexed it.
  • The city expanded exponentially.
  • Virginia reclaimed land ceded to the District. (correct)

What is the area of the District of Columbia?

<p>68 square miles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the governance structure of Washington, D.C. since 1974?

<p>Locally elected mayor and city council with Congressional veto power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Washington, D.C. as a city?

<p>It has a small-town ambiance despite being a major city. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature does Washington, D.C. sit on?

<p>Potomac River (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much has the population of Washington, D.C. changed from 2000 to 2010?

<p>Increased by over 50,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'metropolitan area' refer to in the context of Washington, D.C.?

<p>A collection of surrounding counties and the city (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to Washington, D.C.'s population loss during the last half of the 20th century?

<p>Suburban flight of the middle class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the central location of Washington, D.C.?

<p>Centralized access for Eastern Seaboard states (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature borders Washington, D.C. on the east and south?

<p>Potomac River (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the climate of Washington, D.C.?

<p>Winters are typically damp with mild temperatures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the bridging of Rock Creek Park have on Washington's development?

<p>It accelerated northwestern expansion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much land in Washington, D.C. is owned by the U.S. government?

<p>Close to half (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city experienced a significant population increase alongside Washington, D.C. during the latter part of the 20th century?

<p>Arlington, Virginia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average winter daytime temperature in Washington, D.C.?

<p>In the mid-30s °F (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ancient people contributed to the name of the Anacostia River?

<p>Nacostines (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which season has typically longer conditions in Washington, D.C.?

<p>Spring (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which high-temperature conditions can occur in the summer in Washington, D.C.?

<p>Highs can reach above 100 °F (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Suburban Flight

The movement of middle-class residents from urban areas to suburbs, often driven by factors like lower cost of living, better schools, and more space.

Interdependent Economies

The interdependence of the District of Columbia's economy with the economies of neighboring states, Maryland and Virginia.

Washington D.C.'s Location

The city of Washington D.C. was strategically built on a peninsula formed by the Potomac River and its branch, the Anacostia River, due to its potential for becoming an important commercial port.

Rock Creek Park

A shallow, long ravine that separates Washington D.C. from the old port city of Georgetown, acting as a natural barrier.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Urban Revitalization

The process of revitalizing and improving urban neighborhoods, often attracting younger workers and contributing to population growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Washington D.C.'s Precipitation

The average annual precipitation in Washington D.C. is evenly distributed throughout the year, ranging between 3 to 4 inches per month.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Washington D.C.'s Summers

Washington, D.C. experiences mild and humid summers with temperatures often reaching above 100°F (39°C), but these hot periods are usually brief.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Washington D.C.'s Climate

Washington, D.C. has a temperate climate with evenly distributed precipitation and moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Washington D.C.'s Winters

The winters in Washington, D.C. are damp, and although snow falls, it is usually light and melts quickly due to the mild daytime temperatures, often in the mid-30s°F.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Washington D.C.'s Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn seasons in Washington, D.C. are mild and pleasant, often longer than summer and winter, making these seasons comfortable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Where is Washington, D.C. located?

Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States of America and is located on the northern shore of the Potomac River.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the relationship between Washington, D.C. and the District of Columbia?

The city of Washington, D.C., is coextensive with the District of Columbia, a territory established in 1790 to serve as the permanent seat of the federal government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How was the District of Columbia formed?

The District of Columbia was established in 1790 by Congress and initially included land ceded by both Maryland and Virginia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What happened to the land that Virginia ceded to the District of Columbia?

In the mid-19th century, the land south of the Potomac River, ceded by Virginia, was returned to the state, leaving the District of Columbia with its current boundaries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How did Washington, D.C., grow after the Civil War?

Washington, D.C., expanded beyond its original boundaries after the Civil War and was integrated with the District of Columbia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Is Washington, D.C., a state?

Washington, D.C., is classified as a territory and not a state, governed since 1974 by a locally elected mayor and city council, with Congress retaining veto power.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How large is the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area?

The Washington metropolitan area covers nearly 4,000 square miles and encompasses 10 counties: 5 in Maryland and 5 in Virginia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the personality of Washington, D.C.?

Despite its role as the capital, Washington, D.C., has a lively local history, complex political issues, and a unique blend of cosmopolitan and small-town vibes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the major aspects of Washington, D.C.'s identity?

Washington, D.C., is a vibrant hub for federal government activities, international diplomacy, tourism, and historic preservation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What was the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area's population in 2010?

The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area's population was over 5.5 million in 2010.

Signup and view all the flashcards

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Discover Washington DC
15 questions

Discover Washington DC

HeartwarmingChrysocolla avatar
HeartwarmingChrysocolla
Washington, D.C.: America ki Rajdhani
10 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser