Illinois has had four Constitutions for statehood improve the agriculture based written to adapt to importance of industry

Illinois became a state in 1818 and has had 3 capitals Kaskaskia Vandalia Springfield

Introduces the Constitution and gives it’s purpose

Lists the rights of the people in 24 sections Also places restrictions on the government of Illinois

Powers of the state Explains separation of powers principle Divided into three branches - legislative, executive, judicial

Suffrage and Elections Rules and regulations of voting Election procedures General election - Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even numbered years

U.S. Citizen 18 years old State resident for 30 days

The Legislature Lawmaking power rests in a General Assembly 2 Houses - the House of Representatives and Senate

Senators are chosen from 59 legislative districts Representatives are chosen from 118 Representative districts We are 56th Legislative, 112th Representative

Senate - 2 or 4 year terms House - 2 year terms Requirements 21 years old U.S. citizen Resident of district for 2 years

Vacancies are filled by appointment Session begins each January on second Wednesday Need quorum to meet - majority of members

House - Speaker of the House - elected by the members Senate - President of Senate - elected by the members

Bills may originate, be amended by, or rejected by both Majority required to pass Governor may veto within 60 days Becomes law without signature after 60 days

House investigates and charges Senate acts as jury (tries cases) State S.C. Chief Justice presides if governor is on trial 2/3 vote required to remove a governor from office