<span>Federal Court Jurisdiction
The authority of a federal court to hear a case, its so-called "jurisdiction," is limited by the constitution to certain subject matters and parties.
Subject Matter
Federal Court Jurisdiction is often involves cases involving "federal questions," - the interpretation of a provision in the Constitution and application of any federal law or treaty, or a question of admiralty or maritime law, or cases between certain parties.
Parties
A case also falls within Federal Court Jurisdiction if the case involves
(1) the United States or one of its officers or agencies
(2) an ambassador, consul, or other official representative of a foreign government
(3) one of the 50 states suing another state, a resident of another state, or a foreign government or one of its subjects
(4) a citizen of one State suing a citizen of another State
(5) an American citizen suing a foreign government or one of its subjects
(6) a citizen of a State suing another citizen of the same State where both claim title to land under grants from different States</span>
Answer:
The Washington Monument is built in the shape of an Egyptian Obelisk.
Each was a natural trading partner.
Taking a side in that conflict would have had bad consequences for the U.S., the proverbial no-win situation.
