Federal Relations Act

The Federal Relations Act is a U.S. law that defines the relationship between the federal government and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.). It establishes the governance structure of D.C., granting limited self-government while retaining significant federal oversight. The Act governs how local laws are enacted and who has authority over different aspects of governance in the district, such as budget management and civil rights. Essentially, it balances local control with federal authority, reflecting D.C.'s unique status as the nation’s capital without being a state.