It might be Christmas Eve, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a notable day for D.C. government — on this day in 1973, the Congress approved the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which enforced the District Charter, provided the city an elected mayor and Council, established several positions and agencies like the Chief Financial Officer, the Board of Elections and the Board of Education, and also outlined how the city should operate on a basic level. Of course, the Act also reaffirmed Congress’ tight grip over the District’s laws and budgets, making it pretty clear that the city’s government simply exists because Congress lets us have one — a standing that the District has never been able to shake. If you’re following city affairs and you haven’t actually sat down to read this thing, it’s definitely an informative read.