Capitol facts for kids

A Capitol is usually a special building where a government's lawmakers meet. These lawmakers, often called a legislature or parliament, create and vote on laws for a country, state, or region. The word "capitol" comes from an ancient hill in Rome called the Capitoline Hill.

What is a Capitol Building?

A Capitol building is the main place where elected officials work. They discuss important issues and make decisions that affect everyone. These buildings are often very grand and have a lot of history. They are designed to show the importance of the government and the people it serves.

The United States Capitol

The United States Capitol is one of the most famous Capitol buildings in the world. It is located in Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. This is where the United States Congress meets. The Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. They work together to make federal laws for the entire country.

The U.S. Capitol building is known for its large dome and its long history. It has been the site of many important events in American history.

Famous Capitols Around the World

Many countries and regions have their own Capitol buildings. They are often important symbols of their government and history.

• The Capitol of Puerto Rico is in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. It's where the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico meets.
• The Capitole de Toulouse is a historic building in Toulouse, France. It has served as the city hall and a theater for centuries.
• In Colombia, the Capitolio Nacional is located in Bogotá. It is the seat of the Congress of Colombia.
• The Capitolio Federal is in Caracas, Venezuela. This building houses the National Assembly of Venezuela.
• El Capitolio is a grand building in Havana, Cuba. It used to be the seat of government and is now a major tourist attraction.

The Capitoline Hill in Ancient Rome

The word "capitol" comes from the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. This hill was one of the seven hills of ancient Rome. It was a very important religious and political center. Temples dedicated to Roman gods, like Jupiter, stood there. Over time, the name "capitol" became associated with important government buildings.

See also

In Spanish: Capitol (desambiguación) para niños