Government in Utah
A gavel presented to Albion Emery, Speaker of the House, by members of the 1894 Territorial legislature.
The land now called Utah has had many forms of "government" over the centuries.
- Indigenous government. The first of these were the systems by which indigenous peoples governed themselves. Learn more about their government, both before and after Anglo-Americans settled in Utah.
- Theocracy. When Brigham Young and the Mormons arrived in Utah, their government was a theocracy. That is, Brigham Young was both the head of the civil government and the head of the church. The Mormons were happy with this, because they felt they were establishing the Kingdom of God. They formed the State of Deseret, which Congress did not recognize, but which was the region's government for about two years.
- Utah Territory. Congress made Utah a Territory in 1848. In a Territory, the President of the United States appointed the governor and other leaders. (He could remove the leaders, too.) Often, the governors sent by the President disliked the Mormon religion, and this led to conflicts between them and the people. Learn more about Territorial government.
- Statehood. Finally, in 1896, Utah became a state. Now Utahns had much more control over their own government. Read about the long road to statehood.
- Local government. Local governments, such as cities and counties, are also very important in the lives of Utahns.
- During territorial times, local governments were a little different than now. Guess who decided who could use timber and water; built schools and roads; oversaw elections; levied taxes; took care of orphans, the mentally ill, and stray animals; and tried cases in court:
If you chose e, you are right! Today, probate judges have only one duty. They are in charge of overseeing the process of distributing the estate (or belongings and money) of a person who dies.
- During territorial times, local governments were a little different than now. Guess who decided who could use timber and water; built schools and roads; oversaw elections; levied taxes; took care of orphans, the mentally ill, and stray animals; and tried cases in court:
Civics
Learn more about Utah's government today and our rights and responsibilities as citizens.
State symbols
Learn about Utah's state symbols.