3. Illinois has had four Constitutions 1818 - for statehood 1848 - improve the 1818 1870 - agriculture based 1970 - written to adapt to importance of industry

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

5. Introduces the Constitution and gives it’s purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. 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

16. 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