Damkier's Travels: United States Federal Government

United States Capitol Dome with Cloud

The United States of America has a federal government based in Washington, D.C. Our rather unique form of government broadly consists of three separate and equal branches that serve to compliment and regulate each other to avoid concentrations of power. The states create and delegate power to the federal government in exchange for united protections and common welfare. For this post, I am presenting my experiences in order of their listing in the Constitution.

Main Entrance to the United States Capitol

The legislative branch of the federal government is based in the Capitol Building. This enormous and elaborate building was designed to impress and impose on visitors and to show off the importance of the people's legislature. The building is the literal center of the District. For example, I stayed in a modern studio apartment on the U Street Corridor northwest of the Capitol, so the address was in the NE portion of the District. The Capitol is impressive and alive with activity. Young interns, attractive lobbyists, and millions of visitors crowd the halls and pump life into the marble halls. If you are lucky, you can observe the activity during a legislative session, but fireworks are rare. Most of the time you will just see boring parliamentary details. The real action is in the committee hearings and back room deals. If these walls could talk! Make sure to contact your representative to request a tour to avoid the lines.

White House

One of the most iconic buildings in the entire world is almost hidden amongst the other government structures. If not for the massive security and near universal recognition, you could easily mistake the most famous residence for another monument. This of course is the personal residence of the President of the United States, however it also serves as the main offices for the executive branch and hosts important events. Tours are available with high security and long waiting lists through your representative, but you can walk through the halls and limited rooms and experience a little of the magic. Regardless of who occupies the office, this is a very cool place.

Main Chamber of the Supreme Court

Having a separate judicial branch of government has been one of the most controversial parts of our federal government. Good or bad, the Supreme Court of the United States has the power to interpret laws and overturn laws that conflict with the Constitution. This power has been used by the justices over the years to help shape our modern experience. The building is rather new and a little small, but is much better than hearing cases in the Capitol basement or other locations. It is an impressive marble structure with an ornate main court with only 8 chairs for the first time in modern history. That serves as a reminder that our government is a living entity constantly changing and evolving. You can easily visit the building in about an hour across from the Capitol.

Newseum Exterior

Many people often regard the free press at the "fourth" branch of government dedicated to keeping the other three honest and open. The Newseum in Washington is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to showing the history and evolution of news and the media in the United States and the rest of the world. Although a little pricy, the modern and relevant museum does an excellent job of documenting those that document history. Bias and agendas have always been an issue and part of the media, so it is a funny reminder that modern arguments echo those of past generations. However, our founding fathers wanted a free press and made it part of the Constitution specifically recognizing its importance in maintaining a free society. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.