<P> The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York . It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs . </P> <P> The Council serves as a check against the mayor in a "strong" mayor - council government model . The Council monitors the performance of city agencies and makes land use decisions as well as legislating on a variety of other issues . The City Council also has sole responsibility for approving the city budget . Members elected in or after the year 2010 are limited to two consecutive terms in office, but may run again after a four - year respite; however, Members elected prior to 2010 may seek third consecutive terms . </P> <P> The head of the City Council is called the Speaker . The current Speaker is Corey Johnson, a Democrat . The Speaker sets the agenda and presides at meetings of the City Council . Proposed legislation is submitted through the Speaker's Office . There are 47 Democratic council members led by Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer . The three Republican council members are led by Minority Leader Steven Matteo . There is one vacancy . </P> <P> The Council has 35 committees with oversight of various functions of the city government . Each council member sits on at least three standing, select or subcommittees (listed below). The standing committees meet at least once per month . The Speaker of the Council, the Majority Leader, and the Minority Leader are all ex officio members of every committee . </P>

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