Is the government of a Lodge democratic or autocratic?
It is democratic since officers are chosen and all business matters are decided by a majority vote of all full-status members (Master Masons) of the Lodge. It is also hierarchical in that the affairs of the Lodge are carried on by the various officers according to a clear system of responsibilities and obligations. Masonic hierarchy is basically one of function, rather than of inherent status and mirrors the hierarchy we see everywhere in the universe. Because officers are elected, the hierarchy is also democratically based.
