The State of Illinois Government The Illinois Constitution

The State of Illinois Government

The Illinois Constitution ØThere have been a total of 4 Illinois Constitutions – (adopted 12 -15 -1970) ØIn order to amend the Illinois Constitution 3/5 ths of the General Assembly must vote for it. ØIn order to ratify an amendment in Illinois – 3/5 ths of the General Assembly must vote for it. ØThe capital of Illinois - Springfield

Three Branches of State Government LEGISLATIVE MAKE THE LAWS EXECUTIVE JUDICIAL ENFORCES THE LAWS INTERPRETS THE LAWS

Legislative Branch General Assembly ØSplit into two Houses, Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives ØRequirements for both offices include: Ø Must be a U. S. Citizen ØMust be at least 21 years old ØMust be a resident of the district they will represent for the 2 years preceding their election. ØNot the same representatives that support our State at the Federal level

Senate of Illinois Ø 59 senators Ø 1 elected from each legislative district ØStaggered elections : divided into 3 groups: Ø 1/3 elected for one 2 – year term; followed by two 4 – year terms; Ø 1/3 elected for one 4 - year term, followed by one 2 - year term, then one 4 year term. Ø 1/3 elected for two 4 - year terms, followed by one 2 - year term.

Illinois House of Representatives Ø 118 representatives Ø 2 elected from each legislative district ØElected to 2 year terms

Illinois Executive Branch Ø 6 elected officials ØRequirements: Ø Must be a U. S. Citizen Ø Must be at least 25 years old Ø Must be a resident of Illinois for the 3 years preceding their election

Governor of Illinois J B Pritzker ØChief Executive Officer ØSees to it that laws get carried out ØSigns or vetoes bills pass by General Assembly- the bill can still become law if the General Assembly overrides the veto by passing the bill again by a 3/5 vote in both houses. ØProposes a State budget ØElected to 4 year term.

Lieutenant Governor – Juliana Stratton ØRuns with Governor as a team ØPerforms duties assigned by Governor ØNext in line to become Governor if Governor dies or is unable to fulfill duties ØElected to 4 -year term.

Illinois Attorney General - Kwame Raoul ØChief Legal Officer ØRepresents the State, State agencies and State officials in court. ØChief law enforcement officer ØResponsible for protecting consumers from fraud ØElected to 4 -year term Ø 2 nd in line to be Governor

Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White ØKeeps the official records of the General Assembly and the Executive Branch ØLicenses drivers, issues license plates, keeps driving and vehicle records. ØKeeps the State Seal ØIn charge of maintenance of the Capitol building ØElected to 4 -year term Ø 3 rd in line to be Governor

Illinois Comptroller – Susana Mendoza ØChief Fiscal Control Officer ØReviews State bills and payments ØPays the State’s bills ØHelps set financial policies ØElected to a 4 -year terms

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs ØState’s Banker ØResponsible for safekeeping of monies deposited for the State ØInvests the monies deposited for the State ØElected to 4 -year term

State of Illinois Judicial Branch ØThere are 3 Court systems ü Supreme Court (10 years) ü Appellate Court (10 years) ü Circuit Courts (4 years) ØJudges get elected NOT appointed. ØRequirements are: ØMust be a U. S. Citizen ØMust be a licensed attorney of Illinois ØMust be a resident of the district from which they are elected ØMust devote full time to judicial duties and cannot engage in practice of law or hold other office.

Illinois Supreme Court Ø 7 Justices ØHighest tribunal in Illinois ØHas general administrative and supervisory authority over all courts in Illinois ØHears Appeals from the Appellate and Circuit Courts ØMay exercise original jurisdiction in cases relating to revenue, mandamus, prohibition or habeas corpus. ØElected from 5 judicial districts