The Long Path to Freedom

This book is the only annotated bibliography of primary and secondary works documenting the history of home rule in the District of Columbia. How the District should be governed has long been controversial and its current governing framework is the product of a tortured evolution. The issue essentially has been the debating for over 200 years of how much power local residents should have over a city that also serves as the nations capital. This larger question of federalism is also reflected in many subsidiary questions, such as those involving taxation, the power of local officials, zoning, and who is authorized to make decisions on major health issues such abortion, euthanasia, and marijuana. While many of these issues may be local to DC, decisions regarding them can greatly impact the nation as a whole. It is frequently argued that DC residents do not receive an equal voice with residents of the states. Such a paradox raises thorny questions concerning how truly equal and democratic is the United States of America.