LibGuide: The Government of Massachusetts (Updated 11/16)

The Government of Massachusetts

Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

If you want to find out about the state of Massachusetts, take a look at this web site. Massachusetts can claim many famous firsts in America. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, first public park was the Boston Common, the first battle of the Revolution was fought in Lexington and Concord, and the first American university (now Cambridge) is there. This site includes topics such as history, government, symbols, facts, services, agencies, publications, organizations, archives and current news.
Topic: Massachusetts Language: English Lexile: 1440 http://www.state.ma.us

Branches and Agencies of the Government of Massachusetts

"The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which served as a model for the United States Constitution, established three separate branches: an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Each branch has specific, limited powers, providing a system of "checks and balances" which prevent an abuse of power by any one branch."

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"The Massachusetts Legislature is comprised of 200 members elected by the people of the Commonwealth. The Senate is comprised of 40 members, with each representing a district of approximately 159,000 people. The House of Representatives is comprised of 160 members, with each legislator representing districts consisting of approximately 40,000 people. The President of the Senate presides over the Senate and the Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives. Both the Speaker and the Senate President are elected by the membership of their respective bodies at the beginning of each two-year legislative session."

Legislative Leadership

Senate

The President of the Senate is elected by the members of the body to lead the Senate and set the agenda and priorities for the session. Once elected, the President of the Senate sets the session calendar of legislation to be considered, presides over sessions, interprets rules, answers Parliamentary questions and inquiries, and preserves order and decorum of the Chamber.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by House members at the beginning of the first year of each two-year session of the General Court. The Speaker appoints a leadership team comprised of the Speaker pro Tempore, the Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Majority Floor Leader, and Second Assistant Majority Floor Leader. The Speaker’s appointments are subject to ratification of a majority party caucus vote. The Speaker similarly appoints House committee chairpersons.

Members of the Senate

The Senate is comprised of 40 members, with each Senator elected to represent a district consisting of approximately 159,000 people. As required by the Massachusetts Constitution, the Senate meets every 72 hours, year-round in either formal or informal session to consider legislation. The Massachusetts Senate is led by the President of the Senate who is elected by the members of the body at the beginning of each two-year legislative session. The Massachusetts Legislature, known as the General Court, has been meeting since 1713."

Members of the House of Representatives

"The Massachusetts House of Representatives is comprised of 160 members, each representing a district of approximately 40,000 people. As required by the Massachusetts Constitution, the House meets every 72 hours, year-round in either formal or informal session to consider legislation. The Massachusetts House is led by the Speaker of the House who is elected by the members of the body at the beginning of each two-year legislative session. The Massachusetts Legislature, known as the General Court, has been meeting since 1713.
A List of Representatives individual contact information is available below. For General Information please use: 617-722-2000"