On September 9, 1983, which region with more than half a million population unsuccessfully petitioned the U.S. Congress to become the 51st State of the United States?

Washington, D.C., is the region that, on September 9, 1983, unsuccessfully petitioned the U.S. Congress to become the 51st state of the United States. Residents of the District of Columbia have long sought full voting representation in Congress, arguing that their current status as federal taxpayers without a voice in national legislative matters constitutes "taxation without representation." This sentiment is even emblazoned on their license plates.

The movement for D.C. statehood gained significant momentum in the early 1980s. In 1980, District voters approved a measure to hold a constitutional convention, and in 1982, they ratified a proposed constitution for a new state to be called "New Columbia." This constitution and a petition for statehood were formally transmitted to Congress by the Mayor on September 9, 1983. However, Congress took no action on the petition at that time.

The unique status of Washington, D.C. stems from the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress exclusive authority over the federal district to ensure no single state could exert undue influence over the national government. Despite this, D.C. residents have all the obligations of U.S. citizens, including paying federal taxes and serving in the military, yet they lack full control over their local affairs and do not have voting representatives in Congress. This ongoing debate highlights the complex historical and political challenges surrounding the nation's capital.