that we have considered up to this time, and deserves special attention on
account of its resemblance to the mode of making laws in the state and
general governments. It is as follows. If a proposed ordinance is voted
for by a majority of the members of the council present at any meeting, it
is presented to the mayor. If he approves it, he signs it, and it becomes
an ordinance. But if he does not approve it, he returns it, through the
recorder, to the council, together with his objections. [Footnote: This is
called _vetoing_ it, from a Latin word _veto_, meaning _I forbid_.]The
council, then reconsiders the proposed ordinance in the light of the
mayor's objections. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the
members elected vote for it, it becomes an ordinance, just as if approved
by the mayor. "If an ordinance or resolution shall not be returned by the
mayor within five days, Sundays excepted, after it shall have been
presented to him," it shall have the same effect as if approved by him.

Publication of Ordinances.--The ordinances and by-laws of the council are
published in a newspaper of the city, selected by the council as the
official means of publication, and are posted in three conspicuous places
in each ward for two weeks, before they become operative.

Council Powers.--The city council has about the same powers as a village
council in regard to streets, the prevention and extinguishment of fires,
etc.--the same in kind but somewhat more extensive. But it can also levy
taxes for public purposes, as has before been said. It usually elects the
assessor, the city attorney, the street commissioner, and a city surveyor,
and in some states other officers.

The recorder, treasurer, assessor, justices of the peace, and police
constables, have duties similar to those of the corresponding officers in
a village or a town.