What came before Home Rule? How did we win the right to local self-autonomy?
It took a LOT of effort, a LOT of passion, and a LOT of people who believed in the core principle of Democracy.
DC has never had true autonomy. In the Capitol City of the greatest democracy in the world, DC Citizens have always been denied self-determination via representation in government.
During its history, DC has experienced different levels of participation but since after the 15th Amendment was ratified (giving African-American men the right to vote), DC has not had any voting representation in the US Congress nor have they ever had full autonomy over their own local laws.
The full promise of America has always been denied in the City’s Capitol.
Explicit racism has always been used as a major argument for not allowing DC Citizens to vote, even though DC Citizens fought in wars, paid taxes, and were full members of the American experiment in Democracy.
In 1973, DC Citizens were granted the right to have an elected Mayor, City Council, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, however Congress still retained full plenary powers, and has interfered with the voice of the people on many occasions.
DC’s mayor is able to function like a governor but without control of our national guard. Our Mayor oversees all city functions and supports the Office of the Attorney General for DC (also with limited powers.) The City Council passes new legislation, and the ANC’s can determine rulings on zoning, communicate about city services, hear testimony on local schools, and so much more.
Home Rule did not give us autonomy over our judges who are appointed by the President. Nor did it give DC full control over its legislation as Congress has full plenary power and may refuse to pass any of our proposed laws, impose its own laws, or refuse to fund any of our laws.
A mob of angry soldiers attacked the sitting Congress in Philadelphia, later prompting Madison to argue that the national capital needed to be distinct from the states, in order to provide for its own maintenance and safety.
Maryland and Virginia ceded land for the creation of a new capital city. In 1800 Congress moved from Philadelphia to the new district which included Alexandria and Georgetown. The 6th Congress assembled that year inside an unfinished Capitol building.
In 1802, the position of Mayor of Washington was Presidentially appointed but in 1820 he became popularly elected. In 1848, Congress added the elected offices of assessors, collector, register, and surveyor. Congress created a district-wide police department in 1861.
Georgetown, Washington, and Washington County are consolidated to form a new government with a presidentially appointed governor, elected Delegate in Congress, and a 2-chamber legislative assembly, the lower house being popularly elected. Several African-Americans were elected to the lower house chamber.
Concerns were brought by the Republican Platform about admitting two democratic Senators proving to be an effective campaign and individual States refused to ratify.
With the support of Shadow Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton, President Bill Clinton creates a financial oversight committee.
Now is the time to find your voice and add your support to protecting DC.
We demand—and deserve—to have the right of self-determination.
Subscribe for Updates on Home Rule, Executive Orders and Congressional Bills Affecting DC and/or Weekly Updates on General Action and/or Related Events