Capitol
U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) glossary · Civics
Definition
The building where Congress meets. (Capital = city; Capitol = building.)
Capitol in plain English
The Capitol is the actual building in Washington, D.C. where Congress (the lawmakers) meets to debate and pass laws — it's the one with the big white dome you see in photos. The easy way to keep it straight: a "capital" with an -al is a city (like the capital city of a state), while the "Capitol" with an -ol is that specific building. Think of it like the difference between "school" the town versus "the schoolhouse" the actual building where the work happens.
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