“1. Mass state constitution makes the Guv a weak office compared to the legislature. True or not?” True
The Speaker of the house is the most powerful position in Mass.
“2. Judicial appointments are actually controlled by some council. Basically they select the pool that the Guv picks from. True or not?” True
“3. Local government is very strong compared to state government. True or not?” Not true IMO.
Mumbles Menino would love to have a city income tax, but the legislature won't allow it.
“4. State commissions have a lot of power and are almost independent of state and local governments. True or not?” True
Based on my brief time living in New England, wasn't #3 (Local government is very strong compared to state government.) at one time true?
Granted, my experience was brief and ancient as well. Plus the New England state was an entirely different world from Massachusetts at the time and, even still, is the most conservative of the six (New Hampshire), but I was told then that the town council was the most basic unit of government and, if organized with other town councils, could basically override what was decided at the state level.
I would assume that is now past tense even in New Hampshire, given the libtrard love of centralizing government. But I'm assuming it was also true in Massachusetts at one time, right? If so, how long ago?