Masonic lodges come in all sizes, ranging in membership from twenty or so Masons to more than five hundred. Each lodge is presided over by a master, assisted by a senior and a junior warden, just as in ancient times. The master of a Masonic lodge is vested with much greater authority than that given the presiding officer of almost any other democratic organization. There are several lodge officers below the ranks of master and wardens and in most instances a Mason progresses through this line of officers until eventually becoming master. In some lodges all officers are elected; in others only the high officers are elected, the master appointing the lesser officers. The membership, by its votes, determines who will fill offices, and it transacts the general affairs of the lodge.