Washington Government

The Washington Government is subscribed to the Congress of the United States, according to Article One, Section Eight of the United States Constitution. In fact, it was not until 1973 that the District of Columbia has an elected municipal government. Today the local government of Washington is administered by current mayor Vincent C. Gray and a thirteen member council. However, the Congress still has final authority and the power to overturn city council laws and mediate in local affairs. For example, the budget adopted by the mayor and the council must be approved by Congress first.

The justice system of the District is built around the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, whose judges are appointed by the President. even though local courts are operated by the federal government, they should not be confused with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, which only hears cases concerning federal law. In addition to the District's Metropolitan Police Department, many federal law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Park Police, have jurisdiction in most of the city. Local felony charges are handled by the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Attorneys are appointed by the President as well, and confirmed by the Senate.

While at times the local administration has come under criticism for mismanagement and waste, almost becoming insolvent in 1995, the government of Washington has also been the first case of an African American woman leading a major city, when Sharon Pratt was elected as the third mayor of the District of Columbia. Another notable mayor is Anthony Williams, under whose administration the city enjoyed a period of period of greater prosperity, urban renewal, and budget surpluses; so much so that in 2001 the District regained control over its finances.