Name: __________________________
CONSTITUTION OF ILLINOIS PACKET
DO NOT LOSE
ILLINOIS FLAG:
Illinois had no flag from 1818 until July 6, 1915. On that day the General Assembly adopted a
design that was an adaptation of the design of the Great Seal. The adaptation was one of 35 designs submitted in a contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The Rockford Chapter of the DAR had entered it.
In the years since 1915 flag manufacturers have often copied the Illinois Flag, but they have not
always followed the correct design. In 1970 some changes in the original design were authorized. One change was the addition of the name ILLINOIS for the first time.
The flag is made of white silk, bordered by gold fringe. In the center an eagle stands on a boulder with wings raised. The eagle holds in its beak a red banner bearing the motto, “State Sovereignty, National Union.” One claw touches a shield of stars and stripes, and under the shield
lays a laurel branch. The Illinois landscape is reflected in the grass and water, while a bright sun
rises in the background.
PREAMBLE:
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.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Our first Constitution for the State was written in 1818, the second in 1848, the third in 1870 and
the fourth and current one in 1970.
This new Constitution stresses greater protection of your individual rights; increases the responsiveness of government to you as a citizen of Illinois; and gives evidence of greater efficiency
and effectiveness of government in its service to you as a citizen of Illinois.
REMEMBER:
You will be studying only part of this State Constitution this year. The most important parts of
the Articles are listed on the following page to be carefully studied and learned by you.
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 2
Article I – Bill of Rights (partial)
1.
Inherent and inalienable rights are your natural rights (born with them). They are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The law protects these rights and the law takes
away these rights.
2.
We can enjoy religious freedom forever under the law in Illinois. Our religion can never
by used as an excuse to break the law.
4.
We may speak and write freely as long as the truth is spoken. Untruth is libel and punished by the law.
5.
Search and seizure is done with a search warrant and tells what item is to be taken at what
address and the persons involved.
Privacy of persons and Interception (wire tap) can be carried out by law if a problem
seems likely.
8.
An Indictment is a written charge of wrong doing by a Grand Jury in secret hearing’ you
have the right to counsel after indictment plus an impartial jury. Also, you must appear
in court and be defended by counsel; have a copy of your indictment and hear witnesses
(brought in by subpoena – under orders) at trial that is speedy and fair.
10.
You do not have to witness against yourself (self incrimination) and simply say :I plead
the 5th Amendment from the U.S. Constitution. You are not to be tried twice for the same
crime (Double jeopardy).
12.
A person can find / remedy (help) in the law for such wrongs done to his person, privacy,
property or reputation.
15.
The state can take your private property for public use for a fair price (eminent domain).
You can go to court if fair settlement is not made.
17.
Discrimination because of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or handicap is not permitted in Illinois. You can buy, rent, sell or get a job if you qualify regardless of the
above.
Review the meanings for the following:
Writ of habeas corpus: ________________________________________________________
Bills of attainder: _____________________________________________________________
Ex post facto: _______________________________________________________________
Due process of law: ___________________________________________________________
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 3
Article II – The Powers of the State of Illinois
Legislative Department
Executive Department
Judicial Department
Article III
makes the laws
enforces or carries out the laws
interprets or explains the laws
Suffrage (voting) and Elections
Qualifications of an Illinois voter:
18 years old
U.S. Citizen (by birth or naturalization laws)
Live in Illinois for six months
Live in your ward or precinct of town for thirty days
Be properly registered
Rights of an Illinois voter:
Free Election
I do not pay for my ballot. I mark my ballot as I please.
Secret election
I vote for the persons I want on the ballot and no one knows how I voted.
Absentee ballot:
If you cannot be home on election day it is your responsibility to request
an absentee ballot prior to election day from your city government and vote. These ballots are
counted on elections day.
Value of my vote:
Article IV
My vote counts the same (is equal) as every other vote.
The Legislative Department
The State Legislature is called the General Assembly or G.A.
The General Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate) makes the laws for the state of Illinois.
Qualified voters from their district choose senators and Representatives.
Illinois is divided into 59 Senatorial districts as equal as possible by population.
One Senator is elected from each district. There are 59 Senators in the Illinois Senate.
Length of term of office for a Senate member is __________ years.
Illinois is divided into 118 Legislative districts as equal as possible by population.
One House of Representative member is elected from each district. There are 118 representatives in the
Illinois House of Representatives.
Length of office for a House member is 2 years.
Qualifications for members of the House and the Senate:
ƒ 21 years old
ƒ United States citizen
ƒ Live in district represented for two years before being elected.
Vacancies in House and Senate – person appointed to serve until next election.
Majority (more than half) of House and Senate members must assemble to do legal business.
Speaker of the House (leader) is elected by members of the House.
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 4
President of the Senate (leader) is elected by members of the Senate.
The Journal is the record of the meetings of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Bills to Law:
All bills must begin with the words “Be it enacted…” enabling clause) to remind the
General members that their power comes from qualified voters of Illinois.
All bills can start in either house.
All bills are read on three different days for better understanding.
A majority vote in the House and Senate passes a bill. Leaders of House and Senate must
sign the bill.
The Governor of Illinois
can sign bill to law
Veto
Leave lay on desk for 60 working days (automatically law)
Use reduction veto on appropriations bill
Amendatory veto on part of a bill
House and Senate can override the Governor’s regular veto by 3/5 vote
House and Senate members are paid for their work.
All executive and judicial officers may be impeached (accused of wrong doing in writing by House) and
then removed by Senate (act as jury) with a 2/3 vote.
Article V
The Executive Department
Executive officers in Illinois are:
Governor: ____________________________________________
Lieutenant Governor: ___________________________________
Attorney General: ______________________________________
Secretary of State: _____________________________________
Comptroller: __________________________________________
Treasurer: ____________________________________________
The Governor of Illinois has the supreme executive power of the state.
Qualified voters elect these executive officers for four-year terms.
Qualifications:
at least 25 years old
U.S. citizen
Live in Illinois for three years prior to election
Governor and Lt. Governor are now elected as a team by one vote.
Gubernatorial succession is Governor, Lt. Governor, elected Attorney General, and elected Secretary of
State.
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 5
Lt. Governor acts as governor if Governor dies, is found guilty of impeachment, resigns or becomes disabled.
Governor has executive clemency powers:
Appointing of persons not elected with 2/3 approval of Senate
Reversal of appointed persons that are incompetent or neglect their duties or for misconduct
Grants pardons, reprieves and commutations
Governor prepares and gives the “State of the State” message.
Attorney General acts as State of Illinois’ lawyer
Secretary of State keeps official records and the Great Seal of Illinois.
Comptroller keeps accurate record of incoming and outgoing money.
Treasurer is the State of Illinois’ banker.
Article VI
Judicial Department
Three kinds of courts in Illinois are the Illinois Supreme Court, the Appellate Courts, and the Circuit
Courts.
Supreme Court:
Seven Judges (1 Chief Justice and 6 associate judges)
Terms of office is 10 years
Judges choose their own Chief Justice for three-year term
Judges are paid for their work.
Appellate Courts are appeals (written request to review a trial) courts. Our Appellate Court in third district of Illinois is in Ottawa, IL.
Circuit Courts are trial courts for civil and criminal cases. A jury of twelve members decides a case. In
minor cases the jury can be waived and the judge tries the case.
Qualifications for all judges:
citizen of the United States
Lawyer with a license to practice in Illinois
Resident of the district in which the voters elect him
States Attorney is the county’s lawyer. He presents in Circuit Court (trial court) the case against persons
accused of crime and tries to convict that person.
Article X
Education in Illinois Schools
Public schooling in Illinois is free for all grade and high school students.
Our grade and high schools are financed by taxes in Illinois.
Article XI
Environment
All persons in Illinois have a right to a healthful and clean environment.
People who litter our state cost the taxpayers more money; the law obeyers keep the state beautiful and
the taxes for better use.
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 6
Article XII
Militia
The National Guard includes all able-bodied men and women in Illinois.
These men and women are subordinate (under orders) to our Governor.
The U.S. Consititution, Article I, Section 8, makes all laws for these men and women.
They protect us from rebellion, riot or attack. They stand guard in floods, explosions and other natural
disasters.
Article XIV Methods of Amending
There are two ways of amending the Constitution of Illinois.
1. By Constitutional Convention
a. Here the majority of voters must OK.
2. By proposal of the General Assembly
a. Here a majority of voters must OK
b. 3/5 of all persons voting on the amendment must OK
Web sites:
Multiple link page:
http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/~sorensen/hist.html
Multiple link page:
http://www.libraryspot.com/state/il.htm
Secretary of State Jesse White’s:
http://www.sos.state.il.us/bb/toc.html
Interesting facts about the state:
http://www.illinoishistory.com/
Illinois’ Constitution online:
http://www.legis.state.il.us/commission/lrb/conmain.htm
Maps of Illinois
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/illinois.html
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 7
Symbols of Illinois:
State flower: ____________________________
State mineral: ___________________________
State tree: ______________________________
State fossil: _____________________________
State bird: ______________________________
State amphibian: _________________________
State fish: ______________________________
State snack food: ________________________
State insect: ____________________________
State soil: ______________________________
State grass: _____________________________
State animal: ____________________________
State dance: _____________________________
State flag: ______________________________
State slogan: ____________________________
State reptile: ____________________________
State motto: _____________________________
State seal: ______________________________
State song: ______________________________
Explanation of symbols can be found at http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/symbols/
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 8
State History
In 1787 when the Constitution was signed, the area
that is now Illinois was but a wilderness. Although
Marquette and Joliet discovered the Illinois country in 1673, it was not until 1818 that the state was
formally admitted into the Union.
During the time between the discovery of the Illinois territory and its admission to the union as a
state, the French and English each controlled the
area for a period. Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La
Salle, and his lieutenant and successor, Henri de
Tonti, carried the standard for France. Fort de
Creve Coeur was established near Peoria in 1680,
followed in 1682 by Fort St. Louis on Starved
Rock. One of the first white villages, Pimitouri,
later called Peoria, was established in 1691. Cahokia was organized in 1699, and Kaskaskia four
years later.
Defeated by Great Britain in the French and Indian
War, France gave up claim to its possessions east
of the Mississippi. British rule over this area was
short, however, as a handful of American militia
led by George Rogers Clark in 1778 captured the
villages of Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes and
ended forever foreign rule in the Illinois country.
Established as a county of Virginia in 1778, the
Illinois country remained so until 1782. During
the next five years the area had no legally constituted government, but in 1787 it became part of the
Northwest Territory, in which it remained until
1800. In 1800 the territory of Indiana was established and Illinois was included. Nine years later,
Illinois, including the present state of Wisconsin,
was made a territory in its own right. Kaskaskia
was the capital and Ninian Edwards of Kentucky
served as the first territorial governor. On December 3, 1818, Illinois with a population of about
35,000 was admitted to statehood. Kaskaskia was
selected as the state capital and Shadrach Bond
became the first governor.
The last great Indian uprising in Illinois was the
Black Hawk War in 1832. Chief Black hawk and
his Sauk and Fox warriors defeated the white militia at Stillman’s Run, but retreated into Wisconsin
where the band was decisively defeated.
The capital was moved from Kaskaskia to Vandalia and in 1839 was moved again, this time to
Springfield. Abraham Lincoln urged the selection
of Springfield while he was a member of the state
legislature.
Soon after Springfield was selected as the new capital, the state became divided on the question of
slavery. Abraham Lincoln emerged from political
retirement in 1858 to challenge Stephen A. Douglas, United States Senator from Illinois, and the
national policy on slavery, which he advocated.
The eyes of the nation focused on the state as the
two men engaged in their historic series of debates
on the question. Although Lincoln was defeated
for Senator in 1858, he won the presidential nomination of the Republican Party in 1860 and became
the first Republican President.
John Deere’s invention of the prairie plow in 1837
gave encouragement to Illinois agriculture and it
became a leading agricultural state. After the Civil
War, Illinois turned to the development of its natural resources and to its transportation. By 1870
coal mining had become one of Illinois’ largest
industries. Improved transportation, an abundance
of coal, and the westward movement of industry
combined to make Illinois a great industrial area.
By 1850 the state had a population of 850,000. By
1870 this figure had tripled. Today, Illinois has
over eleven million residents. Sprawling, vigorous
Chicago was destined early in American industrial
development to become the manufacturing center,
not only of Illinois, but the entire Midwest.
Constitution
The first Constitution of Illinois was adopted in
1818 by a convention, which met at Kaskaskia. 33
delegates representing the state’s 15 counties attended this convention. At that time most of the
population was in the southern part.
The brief constitution that this convention wrote
became the legal constitution when approved by
Congress, and Illinois was then admitted to statehood. The constitution of 1818 did not interfere
with the status of slaves already in the state but it
did prohibit any further extension of slavery. By
1824 there was some public support for a constitution that was more favorable to slavery, but the
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 9
public rejected these changes. Governor Edward
Coles was important in keeping Illinois a free state.
ferences that you will notice as your read about the
Illinois Constitution.
In 1848 a new constitution was adopted. This constitution was noted for the increase of power to the
people since they could now elect many officers
that had been previously appointed.
Article IV and Amendment X of the U.S. Constitution should be read if you wish to know exactly
what the federal Constitution says about the role of
states.
In 1862, a new constitution was discussed, but not
adopted. In 1869 another new proposal met with
success and became the new constitution in 1870.
This 1870 Constitution was to be the Constitution
of the State of Illinois for over 100 years.
Questions – Answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Write out statement. If statement is false then
correct the statement
In November 1969, Illinois voters elected delegates to a new Constitutional Convention. The
Constitution of 1870 had proven to be outdated and
it had become almost impossible to govern Illinois
under such a document. The new convention met
for the first time in 1970 and began work on a new
state constitution. Samuel Witwer, largely because
of his 23-year fight for a new constitution, was
elected President of the Convention. A new constitution was written, adopted in convention on
September 3, 1970, and approved by the voters on
December 15, 1970. The constitution of 1970
went into force on July 1, 1971.
True or False
The new Constitution is designed to give greater
protection to individual rights, modernize government at all levels, and improve the revenue (tax)
system of the state.
7. Both the Illinois Constitution and the United
States Constitution have a bill or rights.
Organization of State Government
The U.S. Constitution gave or left certain responsibilities to the states. To carry out these responsibilities states have set up state constitutions. The
state government, for example, is responsible for
state highway construction, local laws, intrastate
commerce, traffic laws, education, marriage and
divorce laws, hospitals, voting regulations, and so
on. The federal government has certain other responsibilities. For example, national defense, foreign affairs, coinage of money, and so on.
The organization of state government is very similar to that of the federal government. Both have
three branches and these three branches have about
the same types of duties in the state as they have in
the federal government. The same type of checks
and balances applies to both. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution have a bill or
rights. There are other similarities, and some dif-
1. Illinois has had four constitutions.
2. Samuel Witwer worked against the passage of
the 1970 Constitution.
3. Illinois became a state in 1815.
4. The last great Indian uprising in Illinois was
the Black Hawk War in 1832.
5. Illinois has had three capitals.
6. Governor Edward Coles worked to keep Illinois a free State.
8. Both the Illinois government and the United
States government have three branches of government.
9. Foreign affairs is the duty of state government.
10. The capital of Illinois is Springfield.
Define: write word and definition on your separate sheet of paper
11. adopted
12. similarities
13. revenue
14. convention
15. extension
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 10
Students should not let that fact that there is a federal
government as well as a state government confuses
them. If one remembers that these two bodies of government meet separate needs for our people, and that
together they solve the problems of a nation (federal
government) and of a local area (state government), you
will see that we have a logical form of government.
Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch makes the laws. The legislature of the State of Illinois meets every year beginning on the second Wednesday of January and concluding when the legislative work of the state has
been completed. The Governor, after the legislature
has adjourned, may call extra sessions.
General Assembly
The main body of the Legislative Branch is the General Assembly. It contains the Senate and House of
Representatives of the state. In other words, the Senate and House of Representatives together are called
the General Assembly. It is also common to call
these two bodies the Legislature.
The people elect all members of the General Assembly. They receive a salary of _________ yearly. All
members of the General Assembly must by 21 years
or older, be a resident of the district for at least two
years, and be a citizen.
A quorum is a majority of the members. Each house
determines its own rules of proceedings. No member
can be expelled, except by a two-thirds vote. Either
house can imprison any people who show disrespect
to the house, but only for 24 hours. Both houses are
organized into committees to help conduct business
efficiently.
Districts
In Illinois there are 59 Senatorial Districts. These are
also known as legislative districts. There is one Senator elected from each of these Senatorial Districts.
Each of these Senatorial Districts is divided into half
to make up 118 Representative Districts. One Representative is elected from each of the Representative
Districts. So there are 59 State Senators and 118
State Representatives. Senatorial Districts are numbered from 1 to 59. Representative Districts are
numbered from 1 to 118.
Special Duties
Besides making the laws the General Assembly conducts investigations, submits constitutional amendments to the people, acts on amendments to the federal constitution, and helps plan redistricting every
ten years.
State Senate
There are 59 State Senators. A Senator’s term is for
four years, he or she maybe re-elected. Elections are
held in even numbered years, with about half the Senate elected every two years. The presiding officer
of the Senate is the President of the Senate, elected
by all the State Senators.
Special Duties of the State Senate
In addition to its regular lawmaking powers to be
discussed later, the Senate has the following special
powers: the Senate tries impeachment case; the Senate must approve many of the appointments made
by the Governor.
State House of Representatives
There are 118 State Representatives. A Representative’s term is for two years. Elections are held in
even numbered years. The presiding officer of the
House is the Speaker of the House, elected by the
Representatives themselves.
Special Duties of the State House
Besides its regular lawmaking duties, the House has
sole power to start impeachment proceedings.
Questions – Answer on a separate sheet of paper.
The following duties are the responsibility of the Senate
or House and, in some cases, may be the responsibility
of both or neither. Answer Senate, House, neither or
both. Write statement and answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Elected by the people
Have 118 members
Have 59 members
Are parts of the General Assembly
Have Speaker as chief officer
Have Governor as chief officer
Term is two years
Term is four years
Start impeachment proceedings
Must be at least 21 years old
Must live in district at least 2 years
Approves appointments of the governor
Sometimes called the legislature
Have three in each district
Have President for chief officer
Tries impeachment cases
Meets in Springfield
Have one from each district
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 11
Lawmaking Process
Briefly speaking, a bill becomes a law after passing both houses of the General Assembly and getting the Governor’s approval. Or, if the Governor
vetoes the bill, by passing both houses by a threefifths vote.
A bill may start in either house. Committees are
used in the state lawmaking process much like in
the federal government
Bills only need a majority vote for passage. However, if the Governor vetoes a bill that has passed
the General Assembly, the General Assembly must
then pass the bill by a three-fifths vote in both
houses. If this is done, it will be a law without the
Governor’s approval.
The lawmaking process is discussed in Article IV
of the Constitution.
The Constitution mentions a few special rules
about passing bills in the houses. Some of these
are:
1. Bills are to be read on 3 different days, by title,
before final vote on passage.
2. Most Bills are confined to one subject.
3. A bill passed by both houses must be set to the
Governor within 30 days. The Governor has
60 days to sign it, or to return it with a veto. If
the Governor does nothing, the bill will automatically become a law after the 60-day period.
Also found in Springfield during every session of
the General Assembly are lobbists. These organized groups seek to influence lawmakers. Most
of these lobbies operate legally under the laws controlling them, and some of them do a service of
informing our lawmakers. However, there are
some instances where these lobbies exert too much
influence and the views of other citizens are overlooked.
Selection of officers in the federal government often gets more publicity and voter participation than
does the selection of state officers. This is unfortunate since many important state matters are close
to our homes and jobs.
These matters require talented and honest officials.
The citizens of any state would do well to increase
their interest in their state government.
While our legislators are making laws they are free
from arrest, except in special cases and cannot be
prosecuted for their speeches in the General Assembly. On the other hand, they have some restrictions:
1. They cannot receive an appointment by the
Governor to another public office.
2. They cannot hold any other public office in the
state.
3. They, along with all other state office holders,
must file a statement of economic interests.
4. They cannot receive a salary increase during
their term of office.
5. Neither house can adjourn without the consent
of the other house.
If they cannot agree on adjournment, the Governor
may adjourn the General Assembly.
Questions
True or False. Write out statement. If statement is false then correct the statement
1. No bill can pass the Senate or House except by
three-fifths vote.
2. Bills may start in either house.
3. The lawmaking process is discussed in Article
IV of the state constitution.
4. Bills must cover at least three subjects.
5. Each house must have approval of the other to
adjourn
6. If the Governor’s veto results in the bill being
passed by a three-fifths vote in each house, the
bill will be law.
7. Legislators may hold only one additional public, government, job in the state.
8. The Governor has 30 days to consider a bill.
9. Bills must be read on 3 different days, by title,
before final vote.
10. If the Governor doesn’t act on a bill within 60
days, it automatically becomes a law.
Define. Words and definition need to be written on a separate sheet of paper. Write word and definition on separate sheet of paper.
11. Veto
12. Bill
13. Adjourn
14. lobbies
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 12
Executive Branch
The Governor
The Executive Branch of Illinois enforces and administers the laws. The Governor is the most important officer in the Executive Branch.
The Governor must be at least 25 years old and a
resident of the state for the three years preceding
his election, and a U.S. citizen. The Governor
receives a salary of ____________ and can be reelected. The Governor’s term of office is 4 years.
The order of succession to the Governor’s office is:
Lieutenant Governor: the Attorney General, Secretary of State.
The Governor, besides enforcing and administering
the law, also has the important duty of vetoing or
approving bills passed by the General Assembly.
The Governor of the State of Illinois has many
other important duties. Among these are:
1. The Governor appoints many members of the
state government. Many of these appointments
require the approval of he state Senate.
2. With the approval of the General Assembly the
Governor may reorganize any executive agencies in the state, which are responsible to the
Governor.
3. The Governor may grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves as he or she thinks proper.
4. The Governor, at the beginning of each session, and at the close of the Governor’s term of
office, shall report to the General Assembly on
the condition of the state.
5. The Governor is commander-in-chief of the
state militia, except in cases of national emergency when they are called into federal service. They are then under the control of the
President of the United States.
6. The Governor may call special sessions of the
General Assembly.
Vetoes
The Governor has three types of vetoes:
1. The regular veto in which the whole bill is rejected, much like the veto of the President.
2. The item or reduction veto. This is for appropriation bills where the Governor simply
changes the appropriation. The houses can
pass over this veto by simply accepting the appropriation change.
3. The amendatory veto. If the Governor notes
specific recommendations the house can pass
bill by simply accepting the specific recommendations.
The Governor’s Office is similar in some ways to
the office of the President of the United States.
However, there are some differences. Some of the
most important differences are the lack of foreign
affairs and national defense in the responsibilities
of he Governor. We might also assume that the
Governor has a somewhat less demanding job.
Questions
Write the questions and answers on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. What are the qualifications for Governor?
2. What is the order of succession to the office of
Governor?
Write out statement. If statement is false then
correct the statement
3. The General Assembly cannot be called into
special session.
4. The Governor may remove any officer he has
appointed.
5. The Governor has the job of enforcing the law.
6. The Governor is the commander-in-chief of
the state militia.
7. The Governor receives a salary.
8. The Governor is in charge of foreign affairs.
9. The Governor cannot grant pardons.
10. The Governor’s term of office is four years.
11. The Governor may veto a bill.
12. The Governor must be 35 years old older.
Define. Words and definition need to be written on a separate sheet of paper.
13. Reprieves
14. Commutations
15. Agency
16. Pardons
17. Militia
18. Succession
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 13
Other Members of the Illinois Executive Branch
Besides the Governor, the Illinois Constitution
provides for the following Executive Officers:
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Comptroller
Treasurer
The Illinois Constitution provides that all executive
officers have the same qualifications and term as
the Governor.
The Constitution says the following about these
officers: (Article V)
Lieutenant Governor: “The Lt. Governor shall
perform the duties and exercise the powers in the
executive branch that may be delegated to him by
the Governor and that may be prescribed bylaw.”
Attorney General “The Attorney General shall be
the legal officer of the state, and shall have the duties and powers prescribed by law.”
Secretary of State “The Secretary of State shall
maintain the official records of the acts of the General Assembly and such official records of the Executive Branch as provided by law…. He shall
keep the Great Seal of the State of Illinois and perform other duties that may be prescribed by law.”
Comptroller “The Comptroller … shall maintain
the State’s fiscal accounts, and order payments into
and out of funds held by the Treasurer.”
Treasurer “Treasurer … shall be responsible for
the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him, for their disbursement
upon order of the Comptroller.”
Terms of Office
All officers in the executive are elected together
and serve for four years after each election. This
arrangement was part of the 1970 Constitutional
Convention that decided that the state officials of
the State of Illinois should be elected at the same
time, but not when the President of the Untied
States is. (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012) Instead, the
state officers will be elected in off-presidential
years. (2002, 2004, 2006 etc..)
Executive Department Organizations
Various departments of the executive Branch are
organized to carry out specific tasks of the branch.
These are called Civil Administrative Code Departments. The most important of these departments are: Aeronautics, Agriculture, Conservation,
Finance, Labor, Mines Safety, Public Aid, Public
Works, and Buildings, Registration and Education,
Revenue, Personnel, Children and Family Services,
Insurance, Mental Health, and Financial Institutions. The Governor has the responsibility or selecting and appointing the heads of these departments.
Besides the Code Departments, there are also a
great number of independent boards and commissions under authority of the Governor. Some of
these boards and commissions are permanent while
others exist only for a short time and are dissolved
after their particular job is finished. Some of the
better known of these boards and commissions are:
Racing Board, Fair Employment Practices Commission, Human Relations Commission, and the
Toll Highway Commission. The Governor also
appoints these commissions.
Questions
Write the questions and answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Which of the state elected executive officials do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Keeps the Great Seal.
Maintains the records of the General Assembly
Chief legal officer.
Maintains Central fiscal accounts.
Exercises powers assigned by Governor.
Safekeeping of monies and securities.
True or False. Write out statement. If statement is false then correct the statement
7. All state executive officers serve 4 year terms.
8. The civil administrative Code Departments are
in the Executive Branch.
9. The Governor appoints the independent boards
and commissions.
10. The Governor is elected at the same election as
the President.
11. 2014 will be a Presidential election year.
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 14
Judicial Branch
“The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court,
and Appellate Court, and Circuit Courts.”
--Illinois Constitution Article VI
The Judicial Branch of Government in Illinois administers justice and interprets the laws. It is composed of a system of courts.
Circuit Courts
Circuit Courts are the general trial courts. In these
courts cases are heard and judgments are made.
The Constitution says that this court has jurisdiction”… of all justiciable matters …” Most of the
work on the state court system takes place in these
courts.
Circuit Court judges are elected by the voters of
six year terms. There is also a category of associate circuit judges and they have a four year term.
The number of judges is provided by law.
Appellate Court
This court hears appeals from the Circuit Courts.
Its judges serve for 10 year terms. The number of
judges is provided by law.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in the
following cases: revenue, mandamus, and habeas
corpus. Otherwise it is simply the final court of
appeal on all other state matters that have come up
from the Circuit Court on appeal. Its judges serve
for 10-year terms. There are seven Supreme Court
judges; three from the First Judicial District and
one each from the second, third, fourth, and fifth
districts. The seven justices select one for their
number to act as Chief Justice for a three-year
term.
Re-Election
Once judges have been elected, they may run for
reelection on their records, without opposition. In
these cases voters simply vote yes or no on their
retention. If three-fifths say yes, the judge the
judge gets another term. If three-fifths approval is
not obtained, the judge must be replaced.
Districts
Much of the state judicial organization and provisions are too complex to be given here. However,
the most important facts are found above and the
organizing of districts is quite basic. The state is
divided into five judicial districts. The First Judicial District is Cook County, and the remainder of
the state is divided into four districts of approximately equal population.
Qualifications
All judges must be citizens, licensed attorneys of
the state, and residents of the districts from which
they were elected. Judges must devote full time to
their judicial duties and may not engage in law
practice or hold other office, including offices in
political parties. A Judicial Board of Inquiry and a
Courts Commission can discipline Judges. All
courts of the state are under the Supervision of the
Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.
Questions
Write the statement and the correct answer.
1.
What are the three types of courts in Illinois?
2.
What judge in Illinois has the shortest term?
with the shortest terms are?
3.
How long is a Supreme Court justice elected
for?
4.
The state is divided into how many judicial
districts?
5.
How are judges usually selected?
6.
Most of the state’s court cases would take
place in the following court:
7.
What are the qualifications for judges in Illinois? (three things)
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 15
Illinois History Filmstrip
Before the White Man
1. What two great natural resources are listed in the opening verses of the state song, Illinois?
2. What did the early plant life of Illinois create for the state?
3. How many glaciers have covered Illinois?
4. What area in Illinois did glaciers not cover?
5. What did the glaciers do for the soil of Illinois?
6. How did the early inhabitants of North America get here?
7. What was the first group of settlers called?
8. What is found in Illinois showing that Archaic Man lived and traveled throughout the state?
9. What group followed the Archaic Indians?
10. Name three characteristics of the Hopewellian Indians?
a.
b.
c.
11. Name four non-Illinois products found in Hopewellian burial sites?
a.
b.
c.
d.
12. The Mississippian Culture (Mound Builders) followed the Hopewellians. They developed what
crop?
13. How long did it take for the Dickson Mounds to be built?
14. What is one of theories on how the Mississippian culture died?
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 16
Illinois History Filmstrip
French Discover Illinois
1. Who was the first Frenchman to claim the New World for France?
2. What river did he explore and claim for France?
3. Where was the first French settlement in the New World?
4. The French did not find gold in the New World but did find wealth in what product?
5. What are ‘coureurs de bois’?
6. What were Jolliet and Marquette looking for when they explored in 1673?
7. What major river, ‘Great Water’, did Jolliet and Marquette explore?
8. Why did Jolliet and Marquette not go past the Arkansas River on their trip south?
9. What does ‘Illiniwek” mean?
10. What two things led to the destruction of the Indians in Illinois?
11. Who did the governor of New France put in charge of fur trade in New France?
12. Who was LaSalle’s second-in-command?
13. In what year did LaSalle and Tonti reach the mouth of the Mississippi River?
14. What was the name of the fort built at Starved Rock by LaSalle and Tonti?
15. Why was the fort eventually abandoned?
16. What tribe did the British use to hinder the development of the French?
17. Where was the first permanent French settlement begun?
18. What fort was built between Kaskaskia and Cahokia, which was to become the headquarters for
the French in the Mississippi River Valley?
19. What is the name of the section of rich soil reaching approximately 100 miles between Alton
and Kaskaskia?
20. Why were the first blacks brought in to the Illinois Country in 1720?
21. How many settlers were there in the French Illinois Country?
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 17
Illinois History Filmstrip
Struggle for the Illinois Country, 1673-1783
1. What two European countries were continually fighting?
2. What did the French and the British both want to control?
3. Why did they want to control these items?
4. Who lost all their territory in the New World following the French and Indian War?
5. When did the fighting between the Indians and the British end?
6. What major fort did the British take over in the Illinois country?
7. Where did many of the Illinois French settlers move?
8. What war took place between Britain and her colonies?
9. Which state claimed Illinois as her territory?
10. Who did Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia send to capture Fort Kaskaskia from the British?
11. Who helped Clark take control of the communities around Kaskaskia?
12. When did Clark capture Vincennes?
13. What were some of the problems that arose between the French of the Illinois Country and the
Virginia soldiers?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
14. What countries controlled Illinois from 1673 to 1783?
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 18
Illinois History Filmstrip
From Territory to Statehood, 1783-1818
1. What state claimed the Illinois Country after the Revolutionary War?
2. Who is probably responsible for the Land Ordinance of 1785?
3. Who was the first governor of the Northwest Territory?
4. Who appointed him governor of the Northwest Territory?
5. What were the first two counties of Illinois?
6. Who was responsible for the defeat of the Indians after the War?
7. In what year was the Indiana Territory established?
8. Where had most of the French inhabitants moved?
9. Who was Chicago’s first citizen?
10. What fort was built in Chicago by the U.S. government in 1803?
11. When was the Illinois Territory established?
12. Where was the first capitol of Illinois?
13. Who was the first Illinois territorial governor?
14. What Indian tribe attacked the inhabitants of Fort Dearborn?
15. Where is the military tract in Illinois?
16. How much land could a soldier claim for his military service?
17. Most early settlers came from what section of the U.S.?
18. Who is considered the ‘Father of Illinois Statehood’?
19. Who introduced the Enabling Act, which would allow Illinois to become a state?
20. Who was the first governor of Illinois?
21. Who was the first lieutenant governor of Illinois?
22. Who were the first two U.S. Senators from Illinois?
23. When did Illinois become a state? (month, day, year)
24. Most of the early settlements were along what?
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 19
Illinois History Filmstrip
The Pioneer State
1. What city did the 1st General Assembly select for the new state capitol?
2. Was slavery legal in Illinois?
3. What was the primary route of travel in early Illinois?
4. What form of transportation quickly changed people’s habits of travel?
5. What city in Illinois produced 80% of the nations lead supply in 1845?
6. Name one problem hindering travel in early Illinois?
7. Who was the leader of the Fox, Sauk, and Wisconsin Indians?
8. In what year did the threat of Indians end in Illinois?
9. In what year was Chicago chartered?
10. In what state is the Erie Canal?
11. What led to the rapid growth of northern Illinois?
12. Who invented the steel plow?
13. Who invented the mechanical reaper?
14. What stopped the construction of railroad lines in 1837?
15. What proposed internal improvement did Chicago have instead of a railroad line?
16. What religious group settled in Nauvoo in 1839?
17. What group of people established Bishop Hill?
18. What was the name of the first railroad into Chicago?
19. What railroad received the first federal land grant?
20. What famous Illinoisan pushed for the railroad land grant for Illinois?
Illinois Constitution Packet
Page 20
Illinois History Filmstrip
Lincoln and Douglas: Crisis of Union
1. Why were blacks / slaves originally brought into Illinois?
2. Why did anti-slavery ideas grow in Illinois?
3. Who was Elijah P. Lovejoy?
4. What political party was organized in 1840, which was against slavery?
5. What was the end point of the Underground Railroad?
6. What famous Underground Railroad leader lived in Princeton, IL?
7. What two Illinoisans became representative of the two opposing viewpoints of the nation?
8. Who was ‘the Little Giant’?
9. What political party did Stephen A. Douglas belong to?
10. Was S.A. Douglas for or against slavery?
11. What political party did A. Lincoln belong to?
12. Who did Lincoln marry?
13. Did Lincoln support slavery?
14. What war increased the slave issue in Illinois?
15. What does popular sovereignty mean?
16. The opponents of slavery organized what political party in 1854?
17. What office were Douglas and Lincoln seeking when they debated in 1858?
18. How many debates were there?
19. What new invention helped Eastern newspapers cover the debates?
20. Who won the election of 1858?
21. What was so special about the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad in 1856?
22. Where were the Republicans when they nominated Lincoln for President in 1860?
23. Why did Lincoln win the election of 1860?