Capitol Hill, US
- Editorial Team | WIAN
- Apr 23
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 30
/ ˌkæp.ɪ.təl ˈhɪl / administration /
RE: CONGRESS, GOVERNMENT, LAWMAKING, POLITICS, UNITED STATES

When people refer to “Capitol Hill,” they’re often talking about the lawmakers, staffers, lobbyists, and institutions involved in shaping U.S. laws and policies. The Capitol refers to the building in Washington, D.C., housing both chambers of Congress - the Senate and the House of Representatives - and is the centre of legislative activity in the U.S. federal government.
The Capitol is not just a physical space but a powerful symbol of American democracy, representing lawmaking, checks and balances, and the division of powers. Over time, the term has come to represent the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government and the wider political culture that surrounds it. Major national events such as presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, and political protests often take place on or around Capitol Hill.
Although "capitol" (with an 'o') refers specifically to government buildings, it is often confused with "capital" (with an 'a'), which refers to a city. In this context, Capitol Hill refers more broadly to the culture, institutions, and power structures that shape U.S. federal politics.
Comments