1818 Illinois became the 21st state

1970 Current Illinois Constitution adopted

60 days How long a governor may consider a bill

Circuit Courts General trial courts in Illinois

Pat Quinn Current Governor of IL

Springfield Present capital of IL

118 Number of Representatives in the Illinois House of Representatives

Senate Approves governor’s appointments

4 Illinois voting qualifications 18 years old Citizen of the U.S. Live in the district 30 days Register 28 days before election

General Assembly Legislative branch in Illinois (Senate + House of Representatives)

Lieutenant Governor Next in succession after the Governor

59 Number of Senate districts in IL

102 Number of counties in Illinois We are in Woodford

Election Day in Illinois 1 st Tuesday after the 1 st Monday in November in even years

Governor Chief Executive Officer in IL

Secretary of State Maintains official records/ acts of the General Assembly

3 types of Courts in Illinois Circuit Appelate Supreme

General Elections Held every 2 years (even-numbered) Next election is 2010

Lobbies Organized groups that seek to influence lawmakers

Qualifications of Governor 25 years old Resident of state 3 years Citizen of U.S.

4 years Term of governor

3 branches of Illinois government (like Federal) Legislative Executive Judicial

Illinois has had 4 constitutions

Illinois has had 3 capitals Kaskaskia Vandalia Springfield

Home Rule 1970 Conventional Constitution gave local governments (cities and towns) power to pass ordinances “for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare” or, within certain limitation, to tax and incur debt without specific legislation from the General Assembly.

Referendum to vote on public issues such as bond issues of governmental bodies or changes in the state constitution Example: school districts ask voters about building new schools

Dale Risinger State Senator for the 37 th district