What the Douglass Commonwealth will not include:

(b) Exclusion Of Portion Remaining As Seat Of Government Of United States.—

The territory of the State shall not include the area described in section 112, which shall be known as the “Capital” and shall serve as the seat of the Government of the United States, as provided in clause 17 of section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States.

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17:

[Congress has the 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 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

ArtI.S8.C17.1 Power over the Seat of Government

ArtI.S8.C17.1.1 Power over the Seat of Government: Historical Background

ArtI.S8.C17.1.2 Power over the Seat of Government: Doctrine and Practice

ArtI.S8.C17.2 Power Over Places Purchased