What is the primary purpose of the Home Rule Act of 1917?

The primary purpose of the Home Rule Act of 1917 is to grant municipalities the power to enact local government legislation. This act was significant because it empowered local governments in New Jersey to have more authority and autonomy in managing their own affairs. By allowing municipalities to create their own ordinances and governing structures, the Home Rule Act promotes local self-government and recognizes the unique needs and preferences of different communities within the state.

This move towards home rule reflects a broader principle in governance, which encourages local control and the belief that local governments are often best suited to understand and address the specific needs of their residents. Thus, instead of being strictly governed by the state legislature or other higher state authorities, municipalities gained the ability to tailor regulations and policies that directly affect their local populations.

The other options do not accurately capture this core purpose. Establishing a state-level government structure pertains to broader governance and does not directly relate to local autonomy. The creation of a standardized municipal tax code is a specific legislative action that may be influenced by home rule, but it is not the central aim of the act itself. Defining the roles of state officials in local governance addresses the relationship between state and local government but does not reflect the empowerment and authority intended by the Home Rule Act.