What is the capital of the United States?

The capital of the United States is Washington D.C. because it was specifically designated as the nation’s capital in the United States Constitution. Located along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C. was established as a compromise to locate the capital between the northern and southern states, emphasizing a neutral location that would represent the entire nation. The city is the seat of the federal government and houses important government institutions such as the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, making it the central hub of political activity in the United States.

New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, while being significant cities with rich histories and cultural impact, do not serve as the nation’s capital and are not home to the primary federal institutions that govern the country. Their prominence relates to various aspects such as economy, culture, or industry rather than political function as the capital.