Government of Massachusetts

Seal of the United States Congress

Seal of Massachusetts

Maura Healey, official portrait, governor (cropped)

Kim Driscoll, official portrait, lieutenant governor (cropped)

WFGalvin Official Portrait

AJC Headshot (3x4)

== Government of Massachusetts ==

The Government of Massachusetts is the governmental structure of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as established by the Massachusetts Constitution. It is composed of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the Governor, who is elected every four years. The Governor is supported by the Lieutenant Governor, the Executive Council, and various executive offices and agencies. The Governor has the power to sign or veto legislation, appoint judges, and grant pardons.

Governor

The Governor of Massachusetts is the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth. The current Governor is Maura Healey, who took office in January 2023.

Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts assists the Governor and can act as Governor in their absence. The current Lieutenant Governor is Kim Driscoll.

Executive Council

The Massachusetts Executive Council, also known as the Governor's Council, is composed of eight members elected from districts, and the Lieutenant Governor who serves as its president. The Council provides advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons, and commutations.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch is known as the Massachusetts General Court, which is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate

The Massachusetts Senate is the upper house of the General Court, consisting of 40 members elected from districts across the state. The Senate is presided over by the President of the Senate.

House of Representatives

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is the lower house of the General Court, consisting of 160 members elected from districts. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Judicial Court, the highest court in the Commonwealth. The judicial system also includes the Appeals Court and various Trial Courts.

Supreme Judicial Court

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts is the oldest appellate court in continuous existence in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices.

Appeals Court

The Massachusetts Appeals Court is an intermediate appellate court that reviews decisions from the Trial Courts.

Trial Courts

The Massachusetts Trial Court system includes several departments, such as the Superior Court, District Court, and Probate and Family Court.

Related Pages

• Massachusetts Constitution
• Governor of Massachusetts
• Massachusetts General Court
• Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Executive Council