Enclave Clause – Article I Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution

The Enclave Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 17:

(Clause 17 – Enclave clause)

[The Congress shall have Power] To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;–And

From the U.S. Senate web site:

This clause enables Congress to govern the District of Columbia. Congress has now delegated that power to a locally elected government, subject to federal oversight. Congress also governs forts, arsenals, and other places obtained from the states for the federal government’s purposes.

Washington DC Beltway (Capital Beltway, I-495)

More

• The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription – The National Archives
• United States Constitution: Texts, Commentaries, Historical Texts and Judicial Decisions – Law Library of Congress
• CRS Annotated Constitution (LII)
• The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation – FDsys
• Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, Govinfo.gov
• “Federalism and the Constitution: Limits on Congressional Power,” CRS Report RL30315 (31-page PDF)
• “Legislative Powers of Congress: A Brief Reference Guide,” CRS Report 97-434 (20-page PDF)
• “Congressional Disapproval of District of Columbia Laws Under the Home Rule Act,” CRS Insights IN12119 (5-page PDF)
• Fellowships and Internships in Washington, DC
• “Inside the Beltway“
• District of Columbia (.gov)
• General Services Administration (GSA)
• Clause 17. District of Columbia; Federal Property – FindLaw
• Clause 17. District of Columbia; Federal Property – from Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• District of Columbia Statehood and Voting Representation,” CRS In Focus IF11443 (5-page PDF)
• “Statehood Process and Political Status of U.S. Territories: Brief Policy Background,” CRS In Focus IF11792 (5-page PDF)
• “DC Statehood: Constitutional Considerations for Proposed Legislation,” CRS Report R47101 (19-page PDF)
• “District of Columbia Voting Representation Proposals in the 117th Congress,” CRS InSight IN11599 (5-page PDF)
• General Services Administration – Wikipedia
• Federal enclave – Wikipedia
• District of Columbia – Wikipedia
• District of Columbia home rule – Wikipedia
• Visiting Washington, DC
• How to Use the Subway (Metrorail or “The Metro”) in Washington, DC
• Tyler Cowen’s Ethnic Dining Guide

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