The provided text describes the historical development of local self-government in Russia, specifically focusing on the period around the late 19th century. It mentions the establishment of urban and rural governing bodies, their functions, and the composition of these bodies. The text also touches upon the roles of different social classes (nobility, peasantry) in this system. Based on the provided text, what were the main functions of the rural self-government bodies, and who comprised the volost (rural district) administration?

Functions of Rural Self-Government and Composition of Volost Administration:

The text details the functions and composition of rural self-government bodies in Russia during the late 19th century. These bodies were established to manage local affairs and were part of the state system of administration without requiring state financial investment. Their primary functions included:

• Collecting Taxes and Dues: They assisted the state in gathering taxes and redemption payments.
• Enforcing Obligations: They oversaw the fulfillment of various civic duties and obligations.
• Military Recruitment: They were responsible for conscripting individuals into the army.
• Resolving Land Conflicts: They mediated and settled disputes related to land ownership and usage.
• Local Policing and Land Matters: Rural assemblies (sel'sky skhod) dealt with minor police and land issues.
• Electing Officials: These assemblies also elected local officials, such as the village elder (starosta) and tax collectors.

The most significant official within the volost administration was the volost elder (volostnoy starshina), who was elected for a three-year term and responsible for maintaining public order.

The composition of the volost administration included:

• The volost elder (volostnoy golova).
• Village elders (sel'skie starosty).
• Tax collectors (sborshchiki podatyei).
• Several assessors (zasedatelya).
• A scribe (pisar').

Additionally, the text mentions the existence of a volost court, whose members were elected annually by the volost assembly. This court handled disputes between peasants up to 300 rubles and minor criminal cases.