The Charter is not a typical city constitution but rather a series of amendments, General Court rulings, and case law which form the basis of government.

The composition of these offices, their term length, manner of election, and scope of power have changed throughout the years.

Many felt a town meeting form of government was insufficient and impracticable with Boston's increasing population.

Logistically speaking, a town meeting was near impossible due to the fact there was no hall large enough to fit all eligible voters.

Some citizens, including John Quincy Adams, were worried the new manner of government would be susceptible to corruption and that the "pure democracy of a town meeting [was] more suited to the character of the people of New England.

The two parts were to have similar executive power in order to quell concerns from some citizens as to what they saw as a deterioration of the traditional form of New England democracy.

[12] Boston's current charter[1] states there is to be a Mayor, elected to a four-year term, who is the city's chief executive.

The Mayor in capacity as chief executive is to approve any ordinance, order, or resolution from the City Council they see fit.