What is the capital of the United States?

Washington, D.C. serves as the capital of the United States, functioning as the federal government's hub. Established by the Constitution, it is located on the banks of the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The city plays host to important national institutions, including the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, making it a symbol of American democracy and governance. The choice of Washington, D.C. as the capital was strategic, intended to unify the states and serve as a neutral ground for the federal government.

In contrast, New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, while being major cities in the United States, do not serve as the capital. New York was the first capital of the United States under the Articles of Confederation but was later replaced by Philadelphia and finally Washington, D.C. Chicago and Los Angeles have significant cultural and economic influence but remain out of the context of being the nation’s capital.