<Tr> <Td> 2016 </Td> <Td> 90.5% 282,830 </Td> <Td> 4.1% 12,723 </Td> </Tr> <P> Article One, Section Eight of the United States Constitution grants the United States Congress "exclusive jurisdiction" over the city . The District did not have an elected local government until the passage of the 1973 Home Rule Act . The Act devolved certain Congressional powers to an elected mayor, currently Muriel Bowser, and the thirteen - member Council of the District of Columbia . However, Congress retains the right to review and overturn laws created by the council and intervene in local affairs . </P> <P> Each of the city's eight wards elects a single member of the council and residents elect four at - large members to represent the District as a whole . The council chair is also elected at - large . There are 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) elected by small neighborhood districts . ANCs can issue recommendations on all issues that affect residents; government agencies take their advice under careful consideration . The Attorney General of the District of Columbia, currently Karl Racine, is elected to a four - year term . </P> <P> Washington, D.C., observes all federal holidays and also celebrates Emancipation Day on April 16, which commemorates the end of slavery in the District . The flag of Washington, D.C., was adopted in 1938 and is a variation on George Washington's family coat of arms . </P>

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