Today in Supreme Court History: May 3, 1802
On May 3, 1802, Washington D.C. was incorporated as the capital of the United States. This action was grounded in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress exclusive legislative authority over a federal district. The district was established through cessions from individual states and congressional acceptance.
- ▪On May 3, 1802, Washington D.C. was officially incorporated as the U.S. capital.
- ▪Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to exercise exclusive legislation over the federal district.
- ▪The federal district was formed through land cessions from states and acceptance by Congress.
- ▪The district was limited to an area not exceeding ten miles square.
- ▪This incorporation established the legal foundation for federal governance in the nation's capital.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Politics Today in Supreme Court History: May 3, 1802 Josh Blackman | 5.3.2026 7:00 AM 5/3/1802: Washington D.C. incorporated as the capital of the United States. Article I, Section 8 empowers Congress to "To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States."
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason.com.
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