Government of Washington facts for kids

The term Government of Washington can mean a few different things, depending on whether you are talking about a state, a city, or even a historical period. It's important to know which "Washington" is being discussed to understand its government.

Understanding "Government of Washington"

When people talk about the "Government of Washington," they might be referring to how the state of Washington is run, the local government of Washington, D.C., the national government of the United States located in Washington, D.C., or even the time when George Washington was president. Let's explore each meaning.

The State of Washington's Government

The Government of Washington (state) manages the affairs of the U.S. state of Washington. This state is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Its capital city is Olympia.

How the State is Run

Like other U.S. states, Washington has three main branches of government. The executive branch is led by the Governor, who is elected by the people. The legislative branch makes the laws and consists of the State Senate and House of Representatives. The judicial branch interprets laws and includes the state courts. These branches work together to provide services and manage the state for its citizens.

Washington, D.C.'s Local Government

Washington, D.C. is not a state; it's a special federal district called the District of Columbia. It serves as the capital city of the United States. The Government of Washington, D.C. is its local government, which handles city services like schools, police, and public transportation.

Running the Nation's Capital

Washington, D.C., has a local government led by a Mayor and a City Council. These officials are elected by the residents of D.C. They make decisions about the city's budget, laws, and services. However, because D.C. is a federal district, the U.S. Congress also has some authority over its local laws and budget.

The U.S. Federal Government in D.C.

When people say "Government of Washington," they often mean the Federal government of the United States itself, because its main offices are in Washington, D.C. This is the national government that makes laws and decisions for the entire country.

Governing the Entire Country

The U.S. federal government also has three branches. The executive branch is led by the President of the United States, whose main office is the White House in D.C. The legislative branch is the U.S. Congress, which meets in the Capitol Building in D.C. Congress writes and passes federal laws. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court, located in D.C., which interprets federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.

George Washington's Time as President

Sometimes, "Government of Washington" might refer to the Presidency of George Washington. This means the period from 1789 to 1797 when George Washington was the very first President of the United States.

The First President's Role

During his time as president, George Washington helped establish many of the traditions and structures of the new U.S. federal government. He set up the first cabinet, appointed the first Supreme Court justices, and guided the young nation through its early challenges. His presidency laid the groundwork for how the U.S. government would operate for centuries to come.