The legislative or lawmaking branch is called The General Court. It has two houses: the Senate with 40 members and the House of Representatives with 160 members. The Massachusetts Senate is the second oldest democratic deliberative body in the world. It has been deliberating since the creation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony Charter, more than three centuries ago. The British Parliament is older.

Who can be a member of The General Court, the legislature?

Both state senators and state representatives must be 18 years old. They are elected from single member districts for two-year terms. Those running for Massachusetts senator must have lived in the state for five years and must live in their district when elected. State representatives must have lived in their district for one year.

The base salary for both state senators and state representatives is $46,410. The president of the Senate, speaker of the House, House and Senate floor leaders of the majority party, House and Senate chairmen of the Ways and Means committee, certain floor leaders and committee chairmen receive additional money.

Visit the General Court's Homepage.

Find your legislators by city or town.

Contact your legislators alphabetically by name.