What is the capital of the United States?

The capital of the United States is Washington D.C. This city serves as the political hub of the country and is home to the federal government, including the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. Washington D.C. was established as the capital following the desire to have a neutral location that was not part of any state, reflecting the balance and compromise that characterized the early formation of the United States.

The other cities mentioned, like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, are significant urban centers with large populations and cultural influence, but they do not hold the status of the nation's capital. New York City was the first capital under the Articles of Confederation, but the capital was moved to Washington D.C. in 1800 to serve the needs of a growing nation. Chicago and Los Angeles, while important in various ways, do not serve the same governmental role that Washington D.C. does. This makes Washington D.C. the correct answer as it embodies the very essence of the nation's political identity.