Early in the 18th century, states enacted laws to designate what aspects of notaries?

• A. The official responsible for appointing notaries, setting their fees, and defining territorial limits
• B. Notary training requirements
• C. Hours of operation
• D. Penalties for malpractice

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how states established a centralized framework for notaries by naming the official who can appoint them, setting the fees they may charge, and defining the geographic scope of their authority. Early statutes did exactly this to create legitimate public officers with predictable compensation and clear jurisdiction, ensuring uniform practice across the state. Training requirements, hours of operation, and penalties for malpractice exist in later or separate provisions, but the foundational design in this context was about who appoints notaries, what they can charge, and where their authority applies.