Illinois Constitution

1. Illinois Constitution

2. Introduction • US Constitution (Article 4) requires all states to have a republic form of government. • Illinois became a state in 1818. • Must have a constitution to be a state. • Current Illinois constitution was ratified in 1970. • Preamble and 14 articles. • Amendments are added at the end, but changes are reflected in the inside sections.

3. History of the Capital • 3 capitals • Kaskaskia 1818-1820 • Vandalia – 1820-1837 • Springfield – 1837-present • Old state capital • New one – completed in 1888 the Capitol is situated on a nine-acre plot in the form of a Latin cross. Dome is 92 feet diameter

4. Preamble of Illinois • We, the People of the State of Illinois-grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors-in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves and our posterity – do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.

5. Article I: The Bill of Rights • Section 1 – inalienable rights – Dec of Ind. • Most similar to the US Constitution • Due process and Equal Protection under the law • Discrimination forbid in sex and handicaps • Right of eminent domain – allows the government to purchase (fair price) private property for public use.

6. Article II: Powers of the State • Divides government into 3 branches. • Cannot exercise each other’s powers.

7. Article III: Suffrage and Elections • US Citizen • 18 years old • Resident of Illinois for 30 days prior to the election. • Must register in the County you live in.

8. Article IV: The Legislative Department • The legislative branch is know as the General Assembly • Divided into two houses – Senate and the House of representatives • 59 legislative districts – Senators • 118 Representative Districts – State Reps • Redistrict – every 10 years, General Assembly must divided the state into 59 compact, contiguous, and substantially equal in population

9. Requirements • Must be 21 years old • US citizen • Resident of the district you represent for 2 years • Representatives serve a 2 year term • Senators serve a 2 or 4 year term. • Tim Bivins (R) – 45th Legislative District (Senator) • Jim Sacia (R) – 89th Rep District (State Rep)

10. Article V: The Executive Department • 6 officials are elected by the people of Illinois • Governor, Lt Governor, Attorney General, Sec of State, Comptroller, Treasurer • US Citizen, 25 years old, Illinois resident for 3 years – all serve a 4 year term.

11. The Governor • Chief Executive of the State • Sees laws carried out • Does the budget • Signs or vetoes bills, line item veto • Nominates state officials, approved by Senate • DOT, Health

12. Lieutenant Governor • replaces Governor • duties assigned by the governor

13. Attorney General • Lisa Madigan (D) • Chief Legal officer of Illinois • Represents the state and agencies • Chief law enforcer of Illinois • Coordinates crime-fighting activities with county and local authorities.

14. Secretary of State • Jesse White (D) • Keeps the records of the GA and Executive branch • Licenses drivers, license plates, titles, drivers records • Registers corporations

15. Comptroller and Treasurer • Comptroller – Chief fiscal officer for Illinois • Reviews all bills and payments, pays the state’s bills, keeps records and helps set financial polices for the state. • Dan Hynes (D) • Treasurer – Acts as the state’s banker, keeping and investing the money the state receives through taxes. Only pays the bills when told to by the Comptroller • Dan Rutherford (R)

16. Article VI: The Judicial Department • 3 types of courts • Illinois Supreme Court, appellate courts, and circuit courts • ISC made up of 7 justices, elected by the people for 10 years • Appellate courts hear appeals from circuit court. 5 districts – 54 appellate judges in Illinois – 10 year terms • 23 judicial circuits – many judges – circuit judges have 6 year term, can have one more 6 year term • Associate judges are appointed by the circuit judge for a term of 4 years • Must be a US citizen, an attorney licensed for Illinois, live in circuit/district they serve.

17. Articles VII-XIII • Article VII (Local Government)– local governments are given limited powers to pass ordinances • Article VIII (Finance) – public money and property can only be used for public purposes • Article IX (Revenue) – state can have property tax, income tax, and sales tax • Article X (Education) – free public education through high school. • Article XI (Environment) – insure healthy environment • Article XII (Militia) – GA can form a state militia made up of Illinois citizens. Governor is commander in chief. • Article XIII (General Provisions) rules on holding office

18. Article XIV: Constitutional Revision • Amendments proposed by a Constitutional Convention or by the General assembly • If a Constitutional Convention – state wide referendum with 51% needed. • If proposed by the General Assembly – 3/5 vote in the next general election.

19. States Stuff • Tree – White Oak • Flower – Violet • Bird – Cardinal • Slogan – Land of Lincoln • Insect – Butterfly • Animal – White tailed Deer • Fish - Bluegill • Prairie grass – big bluestem • Fossil – Tully Monster • Dance – Square • Snack food – popcorn • Fruit – goldrush apple

20. Review • http://school.discoveryeducation.com/quizzes/cc_bdaley/Lesson7.html