What is the capital city of the United States?

Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States because it was established specifically to serve as the nation's capital. This decision was made in the late 18th century, when the U.S. government sought a central location that would not favor any existing state. As a result, land was chosen along the Potomac River, and Congress officially designated it as the capital in 1800. The city houses the major government institutions, including the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, making it the political heart of the country.

Other choices, while they are significant cities in the U.S., are not the capital. New York City, for instance, served as the first capital under the Articles of Confederation but was not chosen as the permanent capital. Los Angeles and Chicago are major metropolitan areas known for their cultural, economic, and population significance, but they do not hold the status of the capital.