The Council is composed of the Lieutenant Governor (4-year term) and eight councilors elected from councilor districts (2-year terms); provides advice and consent in judicial appointments, treasury warrants, appointments of constitutional officers if a vacancy occurs when the legislature is not in session; certifies the results of statewide elections; provides advice in pardons and advice and consent in the appointment of notaries public and justices of the peace.
The Governor's Council is one of the oldest elected bodies in the United States. It has its origin in colonial times when the English Monarchs appointed the Executive Council (the councils formal name).
In 1779 when John Adams wrote the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts he put it in the great document as part of the structure of our government.
Adams wanted a check on the power of the Governor when it came to appointing judges. The councils primary duty is to protect us from bad judges (those not suitable). Adams wanted the people through their elected councillors to have the last say in who should judge us.
"THE QUALITY OF JUDGES DETERMINES THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE WE RECEIVE IN THE COMMONWEALTH"
