Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers.

Checks and balances allows a branch to limit another, such as the power of congress to change or override a law.

Congress is the legislative branch. They pass laws and the president, who is the executive branch, can veto laws. Then congress can in turn, override the presidents veto.

            The judicial branch is the Supreme Court.  They can declare a law unconstitutional, even if congress and the president approves it.

            The president appoints members of the Supreme Court, but congress must approve them.

            In New York City, the executive branch is the governor, comptroller, attorney general, and the five borough presidents. The legislative branch is the New York State senate, New York State assembly, and New York State congressional delegation. The judicial branch is the New York State Unified Court System Court of Appeals.

            There is a Borough president for each of the five boroughs. Their job is to advise the mayor of the boroughs issues.

Sources: Wikipedia, NYC.gov.

Valerie