Vashhenko A. The institute of zemstvo heads (zemskie nachalniki) in the Russian Empire of the late 19th to early 20th century

The object of study - the process of reforming of system of bodies of local court and administration of the Russian empire in last quarter ХІХ - in the beginning ХХ, in particular, practical realization of the legislation about zemstvo local heads. The purpose of study is to carry out the scientific - theoretical analysis of the bottom link of administrative system - institute of zemstvo local heads. The methods used in the research are: historical, anthropocentrism, leaving from rigid determinism of events and facts. The dissertation is devoted to the establishment and work of the institute of zemstvo heads as the judicial and administrative body in the system of administration of the Russian Empire. The objectives of the investigation determined involving into scientific usage and analysis of many historical sources, viz. official acts, office-work and narrative materials. The major issues under analysis in the thesis include: the structure and powers of the local authorities before and after the Reform of 1889; the process of working out, establishing and correcting the legislation for zemstvo heads; their activities and the limits of administrative and judicial powers.