District of Columbia Home Rule Act

The District of Columbia Home Rule Act, enacted in 1973, grants residents of Washington, D.C., the authority to govern their city through a locally elected mayor and city council. Prior to this, Congress directly managed the district’s affairs. The law allows D.C. to pass local laws, manage city services, and oversee budgets, giving residents more control over their community. However, Congress retains ultimate authority and can review or overturn local laws, and certain federal and national interests remain outside local control. The act balances local self-governance with federal oversight.