The U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. is full of history, secrets, and mysteries just waiting to be discovered. Riddles provide a fun and challenging way to uncover some of these hidden gems. Below are 61 riddles about the Capitol building along with the answers. Test your knowledge about this iconic landmark!
Riddles
#1
I’m round and domed, a famous sight to see. I top the Capitol for all to look at me. What am I?
Answer: The Capitol Dome
#2
I’m a room in the Capitol named after a bird. Senators meet here to discuss every word. What am I?
Answer: The Senate Chamber
#3
We convene in the Capitol, quite a lively bunch. With four hundred thirty-five members, we’re the people’s hunch. What are we?
Answer: The House of Representatives
#4
I’m an artist who created a famous painting displayed in the Capitol dome. Canvas and paintbrush were tools of my trade. Who am I?
Answer: Constantino Brumidi
#5
I’m a room in the Capitol where the President gives a big speech. Members of Congress and guests fill every seat. What am I?
Answer: The House Chamber
#6
We’re the lawmakers who work within the Congress. We introduce the bills for every address. Who are we?
Answer: Senators and Representatives
#7
I’m the upper chamber of the legislative branch, with two members from each state. Without us a law can’t be passed however small or great. What am I?
Answer: The Senate
#8
I’m the lower chamber where representation is based on population. Our numbers grow with each census calculation. What am I?
Answer: The House of Representatives
#9
We’re the laws and policies Congress creates. Signed by the President, who never hesitates. What are we?
Answer: Bills
#10
I’m the Current Speaker of the House, second in line to succeed. As leader of the People’s Chamber, the majority’s will I heed. Who am I?
Answer: Nancy Pelosi
#11
I’m the office for the Vice President, just steps from the floor. I provide space for the V.P.’s staff right next to the Senate door. What am I?
Answer: The Vice President’s Room
#12
I’m the room where laws are shaped before votes are cast. My tables and couches invite collaboration to last. What am I?
Answer: The Congressional Reading Rooms
#13
I’m the building where Congress meets to legislate. My halls are filled with debate, sometimes early, sometimes late. What am I?
Answer: The Capitol Building
#14
I’m the room in the Capitol that housed the Supreme Court. Before a permanent home, here’s where they held their report. What am I?
Answer: The Old Supreme Court Chamber
#15
I’m the room where laws are signed by the President’s hand. With many pens and photographs, the occasion’s grand. What am I?
Answer: The President’s Room
#16
Before air conditioning, we circled to keep debates cool. Higher up we went, the older we grew. What are we?
Answer: The Capitol Dome Vents
#17
I’m the building where the President lives while in charge. Don’t miss the Rose Garden when you visit at large! What am I?
Answer: The White House
#18
I’m the room where reporters rush in for a presidential chat. Televised news conferences are held where I’m at. What am I?
Answer: The White House Press Briefing Room
#19
I’m the Maryland avenue that takes you straight to the Capitol door. Traffic zips by, I’m a busy thoroughfare for sure. What am I?
Answer: Constitution Avenue
#20
I’m the avenue named for America’s first president. I point the way to Washington’s iconic monument. What am I?
Answer: Washington Avenue
#21
We’re the tunnels that let politicians roam. Connecting the Capitol to offices, our routes are known. What are we?
Answer: The Capitol tunnels
#22
I’m the operational center that runs the Capitol each day. Security, transportation, I help in every way. What am I?
Answer: Capitol Visitor Center
#23
I’m the court where the Chief Justice presides. Hearing cases of law, I’m where justice resides. What am I?
Answer: The Supreme Court
#24
We convene in the highest court of the land. Nine justices make up our powerful band. What are we?
Answer: The Supreme Court Justices
#25
I’m the room in the Capitol where the Electoral votes are cast. The President’s formal election is made here at last. What am I?
Answer: House Chamber
#26
I’m the week when new Congress members are sworn in. Celebrations, ceremonies, excitement begins. What am I?
Answer: New Member Orientation Week
#27
I’m the oath taken when the President is sworn in. To faithfully execute and preserve, defend the Constitution. What am I?
Answer: The Presidential Oath of Office
#28
I’m the original home of Congress before move to DC. In Philly I hosted; the Liberty Bell housed me. What am I?
Answer: Independence Hall
#29
I’m the number of steps you climb to reach the Capitol’s front. Get ready to exercise; no elevators to mount. What am I?
Answer: One hundred forty four steps
#30
I’m the room where the House Appropriations Committee meets. Spending decisions, federal budget – they discuss money cheats! What am I?
Answer: House Appropriations Committee Room
#31
I’m the room displayed with over 100 sculptures and busts. Carved from marble and bronze, the likenesses are robust. What am I?
Answer: National Statuary Hall
#32
I’m the room where ambitious rooms were originally held. My skylights provided the only light bulbs. What am I?
Answer: The Congressional Reading Rooms
#33
I’m the room that hosted many inauguration balls. Presidents and First Ladies danced between my walls. What am I?
Answer: The Grand Rotunda
#34
We’re the two wings that the Capitol expands into. House and Senate reside in us, it’s true. What are we?
Answer: The House Wing and Senate Wing
#35
I’m the room where you’ll find frescoes of early wars. Above the paintings are skylights and doors. What am I?
Answer: The House Appropriations Committee Room
#36
I’m the room where you’ll find the Lincoln painting on display. It captures the President’s pensive mood that day. What am I?
Answer: Lincoln Bicentennial Room
#37
I’m the room with statues honoring women pioneers. Those who broke barriers, their legacy perseveres. What am I?
Answer: Emancipation Hall
#38
I’m the hall where newly elected Senators are sworn in. The six year term begins, they officially begin. What am I?
Answer: The Old Senate Chamber
#39
I’m the room that held the Supreme Court years ago. Restored to its 1860s decor, I’m historic you know. What am I?
Answer: The Old Supreme Court Chamber
#40
I’m the chamber where Senators gave great speeches. Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun within my reaches. What am I?
Answer: The Old Senate Chamber
#41
I’m the hall outside the House floor with statues high on pedestals. Representing history, inside me the imagery prevails. What am I?
Answer: Statuary Hall
#42
I’m the room where you’ll find frescoes of valor in wartime. Scenes of war victories are depicted in my design. What am I?
Answer: Brumidi Corridors
#43
I’m the gallery located right above the House floor. For special visitors to view debates and keep score. What am I?
Answer: House Gallery
#44
We’re the two buildings named for patriots Thomas & James. We house offices and hearings, sharing equality of acclaim. What are we?
Answer: The Jefferson and Madison Buildings of the Library of Congress
#45
I’m the elephant used as GOPs symbol and props. You’ll find my statues in the House chamber tops. What am I?
Answer: The Republican Elephant
#46
I’m the torch lighting the stairs to the Speaker’s lobby. No embellishment too small in the Capitol’s grandeur hobby. What am I?
Answer: Little Torch of Wisdom
#47
I’m the room where legislation gets its start. My tables give representatives a place to chart. What am I?
Answer: Congressional Reading Rooms
#48
I’m the chapel in the Capitol open to all. A place for silence and prayer, heed the call. What am I?
Answer: Capitol Chapel
#49
I’m the room that records and photographers favor. For televised news briefings, I’m the perfect behavior. What am I?
Answer: Senate Radio and TV Gallery
#50
I’m the week in winter when Congress begins a new term. Bills, resolutions, swearing in – the legislative churn! What am I?
Answer: The First Session Week of January
#51
I’m the room named for a leader of the Revolution’s start. I honor the general who played a key military part. Who am I?
Answer: Lafayette Room
#52
I’m the official symbol of the Vice President, flying proud. I’m seen in offices, on lecterns, theatrically loud. What am I?
Answer: The Vice Presidential Seal
#53
I’m the room for major hearings and hot debate. When controversy brews, I’m where the action escalates. What am I?
Answer: Senate Caucus Room
#54
I’m the week when new Congress members arrive. Orientation, receptions, inauguration survive. What am I?
Answer: New Member Orientation Week
#55
I’m the official office for the sergeant at arms. I help maintain order and security without alarms. What am I?
Answer: Office of the Sergeant at Arms
#56
I’m the symbol of the Democratic party, donkey is my name. In the Capitol building statues, I’m found in the chamber fame. What am I?
Answer: Democratic Donkey
#57
I’m the room named for a President on a hill. I honor his stance on rights and values still. Who am I?
Answer: Kennedy Caucus Room
#58
I’m the room where legislation begins its life. Drafted and discussed between House and Senate strife. What am I?
Answer: The Conference Rooms
#59
I’m the square where protestors march to speak out. Rallies for causes, justice they shout. What am I?
Answer: The Capitol Grounds
#60
I’m the hall that displays history through art. Statues and paintings, some famous works apart. What am I?
Answer: National Statuary Hall
#61
I’m the system that moves Congress members underground. Between buildings in small trains we zip around. What are we?
Answer: Capitol Subway System
Conclusion
Exploring the Capitol building through riddles provides a fun way to uncover fascinating facts and intriguing secrets. As the heart of U.S. democracy, this iconic landmark has countless stories to tell. Whether you visited in person or took this journey through riddles, the United States Capitol building never ceases to inspire and amaze. Its rich history and stunning architecture echo the indomitable American spirit. Which riddle was your favorite? Are there any more Capitol mysteries you want uncovered? The quest for knowledge continues!
