Local Government Reforms

• To replace the rights and obligations of the former serf-owning gentry,  System of elected local councils was established. They were known as the Zemstva (singular Zemstvo). They were chosen through a system of electoral colleges with seperate colleges for nobles, peasants, townspeople and Church. Voting procedure was arranged in a way that allowed the nobility to dominate.
• Zemstva  given power to improve public services (roads,schools ,public health,prisons), develop industrial projects and administer poor relief in times of hardship. 
• The establishment of a degree of representative government at a local level raised the hopes of those members of the intelligentsia who wanted a representative National Assembly. Power of the Zemstva was strictly limited. They had no control over the state and local taxes.Provincial governors continued to appoint officials, took responsibility for law and order, and could overturn the Zemstvo decisions if they chose.
• Zemstva provided a valuable addition to local government, the least because they were composed of men who understood the locality and its needs. They attracted doctors,lawyers,teachers and scientists who, to the dismay of the regime, used meetings as an opportunity to debate political issues and criticise central government.