A building where a state legislature meets. Often confused with 'capital', which refers to a city that serves as the seat of government.
From Latin 'Capitolium', the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in Rome. Named after 'caput' (head), as it was the 'head' or chief temple. The architectural sense developed from this prestigious association.
The U.S. Capitol building is specifically named after the ancient Roman temple where the most important government business occurred. The confusion with 'capital' is so common that even journalists regularly mix them up!
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