The Senate comprises 40 elected members from 40 single-member senatorial districts in the state.
The first General Court met in October 1780 and consisted of one-year elected terms for both houses.
In 1977 the Massachusetts Senate districts were redrawn, taking effect with the 171st General Court.
[1] In 1987 the Massachusetts Senate districts were redrawn, taking effect with the 176th General Court.
[7][8] In 1993 the Massachusetts Senate districts were redrawn, taking effect with the 179th General Court.