Today, Explained The 51st state?
Sep 19, 2019
Eleanor Holmes Norton, a non-voting delegate representing D.C. and a champion for statehood, dives into the long-standing issue of representation for residents of the nation’s capital. She discusses the historical roots of D.C.'s unique status and the struggles faced by its citizens in their quest for equality. The conversation highlights recent legislative efforts and the emotional significance of achieving full representation, shedding light on what it truly means to live with 'taxation without representation.'
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Origin of D.C.
- In 1783, unpaid Pennsylvania Revolutionary War soldiers protested at the statehouse.
- This led to the idea of a federal district outside state control, eventually becoming Washington, D.C.
Loss of Voting Rights
- Congress established D.C. by taking land from Maryland and Virginia, placing it under federal jurisdiction.
- This action stripped D.C. residents of Congressional voting rights.
Voting Rights Revoked
- The Civil War brought reforms, including voting rights for African Americans, impacting D.C. politics.
- Conservative whites later revoked voting rights to maintain control and secure federal funding.