September 17 marks the 236th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, the foundation of our federal government. The Constitution provides the framework for good government including the separation of powers among the three branches of government and a system of checks and balances.

The elements provided in the Constitution are essential in local government. The Clerk of Courts and County Comptroller’s office serves as a checks and balance for the judiciary and county government. The current Value Adjustment Board petition filing period, where residents can appeal their property value assessments and other determinations is a great example of the separation of powers between the clerk and the property appraiser (VAB Petition Filing Period). This system of checks and balances protects the public trust in good government in St. Johns County.

In honor of the Constitution’s signing, September 17 was designated as Constitution Day in 2004. The Clerk of Courts and County Comptroller’s office celebrated this seminal event here at the courthouse and invited residents to pick up a free copy of the U.S. Constitution at the St. Johns County Courthouse throughout the month of September.