Guild Masons were "Operatives Mason" because they actual]v built the Gothic Cathedrals. Then during the 16th Century when these Gothic structures were completed, the demand for their talents declined. Without a place to work these Guild 
Lodges struggled for their very existence for 200 years, and to preserve their organization some Lodges began accepting other members. To maintain their membership they accepted men of high moral Character even though these men were not members of the builder's trade.
These were referred to as "Accepted Masons" and later as "Speculative Masons." Thus the Guild Lodges came to be known as "Speculative Lodges."
Today each Lodge belongs to, and is governed by, a Grand Lodge which is also constrained to a certain geographical area. In the continental United States there is a Grand Lodge in each State and one in the District of Columbia, making a total of 51 Grand Lodges. Each Grand Lodge is the supreme authority in its own jurisdiction or State, and owes no allegiance to any higher authority. Each Grand Lodge complies to the Ancient Masonic usages and Landmarks which have come from past ages, it adopts it's own laws and ritual, sets it's own standards of operation, and governs the Lodges and Masons within its own jurisdiction.
It being a world-wide Fraternity, some wonder how it maintains a desired standard without a Supreme world authority. While the ritual and regulations may vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another, the doctrines and principles are the same through out the world, with every Mason receiving the same basic teachings.
Because of its very nature, there is no way to change Freemasonry to suit the tastes, opinions, or prejudices of each candidate or member; if such were possible there would soon be no basic Masonic principles or doctrines, and Freemasonry would become just another organization. Since it is a proven system of self-improvement, each candidate must accept its doctrines and principles, and comply with its laws and regulations.
How well he can conform and how much he improves himself, is for each to learn for himself.
