[FRIAM] Pardons

[Jacqueline Kazil]

Hi! DC Resident here.

......

Jackie: What is the role of the federal government in the District of
Columbia's law making?

Claude:

The federal government has unique and extensive oversight over Washington,
D.C.'s laws and governance due to the District's special status under the
Constitution. Here's how it works:

Congress has ultimate authority over D.C. through the Constitution's
District Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 17), which gives Congress
exclusive legislative power over the federal district.

The key aspects of federal control include:

   1. Congressional Review: All laws passed by the D.C. Council must be
   submitted to Congress for a review period (30 days for civil matters, 60
   days for criminal laws). During this time, Congress can overturn any D.C.
   law through a joint resolution.
   2. Budget Authority: Congress must approve D.C.'s annual budget, even
   though most funding comes from local tax revenue. This gives Congress
   significant control over District priorities and spending.
   3. Limited Home Rule: While the Home Rule Act of 1973 established D.C.'s
   local government structure (mayor and council), it maintained significant
   federal restrictions. For example, D.C. cannot:


   - Impose taxes on federal properties or non-resident workers
   - Modify the height restrictions on buildings
   - Change the local court system structure
   - Pass laws affecting federal interests without congressional approval


   4. Presidential Role: The U.S. President appoints D.C.'s local judges
   and has the power to deploy the National Guard in the District.

This level of federal oversight is unique among U.S. jurisdictions and
remains a source of ongoing debate regarding D.C.'s autonomy and potential
statehood.


------


-Jackie

P.S. Taxation without representation is the standard issue on the license
plate.

_________________________
Jacqueline Kazil, PhD
jackiekazil at gmail.com
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