Government and politics of the Bronx

The Borough of the Bronx in New York City and The County of Bronx in New York State govern the same people and the same land — between the Borough of Manhattan (New York County) to the south and the County of Westchester to the north. The Borough's functions are mainly municipal, administrative and political, while the County's jurisdiction (unlike those of counties outside New York City) is confined principally to judicial and legal matters.

When New York City annexed the West Bronx in 1874 and the East Bronx in 1895, the land remained in Westchester County at the same time that New York County was confined to the earlier limits of New York City (Manhattan and some surrounding islands). However, the Bronx left Westchester County to join New York County in 1898, at the same time she assumed a distinct status as one of the Five Boroughs of Greater New York, together with Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. It was only in 1914 that the present Bronx County was formed by taking the borough's territory out of New York County.

Local government

Since New York City's consolidation in 1898, the Bronx has been governed by the New York City Charter that provides for a "strong" mayor-council system. The centralized New York City government is responsible for public education, correctional institutions, libraries, public safety, recreational facilities, sanitation, water supply, and welfare services in the Bronx.

* Republican and Democratic columns for Presidential elections also include their candidates' votes on other lines, such as the New York State Right to Life Party and the Working Families Party.
* For details of votes and parties in a particular election, click the year or see New York City mayoralty elections.

References

ee also

*Government of New York City
*Government of Staten Island (for comparison)
*New York City mayoralty elections (with borough-by-borough results since 1897)