We may now pass in review the principal features of county government:—­

I. LEGISLATIVE.

1. County Boards:—­

  Commissioner type
  Supervisor type

2. Functions:—­

  County buildings
  Poor—­Education
  Roads and bridges
  Taxation

II.  EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.

  Sheriff and Deputies
  Clerk
  Treasurer
  Register of Deeds, or Recorder
  Attorney
  Superintendent of Schools
  Coroner
  Surveyor

(In some States, Assessors and Collectors of Taxes, and Auditors.)

III.  JUDICIARY.

  County Court
  District Court

Relations of Local Officers to State Law.—­There are other reasons than those already given why States are divided into counties.  One is because, in the performance of their duties, the county officers act as agents for the State; that is, they carry out the State law in their own localities.  For instance, criminals are brought to trial and punished under State law, but it is administered by local or county officials.  So the surveyor, superintendent of schools, register of deeds, and other officers act under State laws.  While it seems best to have one general law for the State upon important subjects, it is also the policy of our government to intrust the execution of the law, in most cases, to local rather than to State officials.  These officers, being elected by the people of the various localities, feel their responsibility more keenly than if they obtained office by appointment from State authorities.

What has been said concerning the relation of the county to the State government is true to a considerable extent concerning the town, village, and city governments.  Here, too, elections are held, taxes are collected, and trials are conducted by local officers in accordance with State law.  Indeed, it is true that these local divisions owe their existence to State law.  Towns are laid out, villages and cities are incorporated, in accordance with the provisions of laws enacted by State legislatures.  The State is the source of all the authority exercised by the officers and governing bodies of these local governments.

SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS.

Make a study of your county government.

1.  Outline the officers in groups, as on p. 6.

2.  Learn the important duties of each officer.

3.  Are officers paid by fees or by salaries?  Which is the better method?

4.  What is the length of the term for which each county officer holds his position?

5.  How many members constitute the county board?  Are they commissioners or supervisors?  When do the meetings of the board occur?

6.  Obtain a copy of the county board’s report and ascertain what important business has been transacted.