Massachusetts Government Act

 

Massachusetts Government Act

May 20, 1774

 An Act to Regulate the Government of Massachusetts Bay 

The method currently used for electing counselors in Massachusetts has proven ineffective and counterproductive. It undermines governance and fosters resistance against royal authority.

 Recent events in Boston have shown that this approach not only hinders law enforcement but also alienates loyal subjects from the Crown while encouraging dissenters to challenge royal rule openly.

 Therefore, it is essential to change how counselors are chosen. Starting August 1, 1774, we revoke portions of the charter concerning elections and dissolve all existing elected positions.

 From that date forward, the council will consist of individuals appointed by His Majesty. The number of counselors shall be no fewer than twelve and no more than thirty-six.

 Additionally, these appointments will remain at His Majesty's discretion for as long as he sees fit.

III

And be it further enacted ..., That from and after July 1, 1774, it shall and may be lawful for his Majesty's governor for the time being of the said province, or, in his absence, for the lieutenant governor, to nominate and appoint, under the seal of the province, from time to time, and also to remove, without the consent of the council, all judges of the inferior courts of common pleas, commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, the attorney general, provosts, marshals, justices of the peace, and other officers to the council or courts of justice belong....

VI

Moreover, upon any vacancy occurring in the positions of chief justice or superior court judges after July 1, 1774, either the sitting governor or lieutenant governor may nominate suitable candidates for these roles without requiring consent from the council. These appointments will be held at His Majesty's pleasure.

VII

In light of past abuses regarding public meetings called by local freeholders for various matters—including electing officials—it is resolved that from August 1, 1774, onward no such meetings shall occur without written permission from either the governor or lieutenant governor. This excludes annual elections and specific circumstances related to filling vacant offices.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.