What is the capital city of the United States?

The capital city of the United States is Washington, D.C. This city serves as the federal capital and is the seat of the U.S. government, housing important government institutions such as the White House, the Capitol building, and the Supreme Court. The strategic location along the Potomac River was chosen to balance the influence of the northern and southern states during the country’s founding. Washington, D.C. is not part of any state and was established specifically to serve as the nation's capital, reflecting its unique political and historical significance.

In contrast, New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago are major U.S. cities known for their large populations and cultural landmarks, but they do not serve as the capital. New York City was previously the capital before Washington, D.C. was established, and while both Los Angeles and Chicago are significant urban centers, they do not hold the status of the national capital.