What were the primary responsibilities of sheriffs during colonial times?

The primary responsibilities of sheriffs during colonial times included running the jail and selecting juries, which reflects their vital role in maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions. Sheriffs were often the highest law enforcement authority in the region, tasked with managing the jail where offenders awaited trial or punishment. This responsibility was crucial as it ensured that individuals who were a danger to the community could be detained safely until their court appearances.

Additionally, the selection of juries was a significant part of a sheriff’s duties during this time. Juries were essential for the legal process, providing a means for peers to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. The sheriff's involvement in this process was important to ensure that it was conducted fairly and correctly, further emphasizing the sheriff's role in the judicial system.

In contrast, while collecting taxes and maintaining roads, conducting elections, and overseeing community safety and education were also important tasks, they were typically not the central responsibilities specifically assigned to sheriffs during the colonial period. Instead, those tasks often fell under different local government officials or agencies. Hence, the role of the sheriff was more focused on enforcement and judicial responsibilities, making the correct answer particularly relevant to their historical functions.