Washington won the right to govern itself in 1975. Until then, Congress had complete jurisdiction over the District. Now Washington is led by a mayor and thirteen city council members, all of whom serve four-year terms. Eight city council members represent separate wards, while five are elected at large. District voters also elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress.
Head Official: Mayor Anthony Williams (D) (since 1999; current term expires January 1, 2007)
Total Number of City Employees: 34,000 (2005)
City Information: Council of the District of Columbia, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004; telephone (202)727-1000