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2. The Illinois State Constitution Founded August 26 th, 1818

3. The Basics The Current Illinois Constitution was written in 1970 (adopted 12/15/70) At least every 20 years, the Illinois Public must be allowed to vote on whether or not there should be a Constitutional Convention to write a new state constitution. – Became a state on August 26 th, 1818.

4. Brief History of Illinois Carved out of the Northwest Territory.

5. Brief History of Illinois Northwest Ordinance excluded slavery and required 60,000 inhabitants to declare Statehood. – Sidenote: An ordinance is a local law.

6. State Capitals 1818-1820 – Kaskaskia 1820-1839 – Vandalia 1839-Today – Springfield

7. Article 1: The Bill of Rights Inherent and Inalienable Rights – Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness Due Process & Equal Protection Searches, Seizures, Privacy, & Interceptions – Protection against unreasonable searches, seizures, etc. – No warrants issued without probable cause Rights after Indictment – Right to appear in court, with a lawyer. – Fair and speedy trial

8. Article I : The Bill of Rights Crime Victim’s Rights – Right to be treated with dignity – Right to be notified of court proceedings – Right to make a statement in court Rights Retained – No rights in the Constitution can be denied to any citizen of the state

9. Article I : The Bill of Rights Bail and Habeas Corpus Self-Incrimination & Double Jeopardy Limitation of Penalties after conviction Trial by Jury Imprisonment for Debt – Cannot be arrested and jailed for debt Right of Eminent Domain

10. Article I : The Bill of Rights No Discrimination in Employment or the Sale or Rental of Property – Cannot discriminate based on race, color, creed, national ancestry, and sex No Discrimination On the Basis of Sex No Discrimination Against the Handicapped

11. Article III : Suffrage & Elections 18 years old (unless federal specifies otherwise) Permanent Illinois resident for a minimum of 30 days Not allowed to vote if: – Convicted of a felony – In jail or correctional facility

12. Article IV : The Legislative Branch General Elections are held every 2 years, on even numbered years Voting districts are re-organized after the federal census Purpose : to Pass bills Called the General Assembly – House of Representatives – Senate

13. Article IV : The Legislative Branch Three Principle Functions – Policymaking – Representation – Oversight of how things are running General Assembly Requirements – 21 years old – 2 year resident of the district representing – U.S. Citizen

14. Legislative Branch 118 Representatives and 59 Senators 2 Representatives to each Senator. – Representatives hold a 2 year term – Senators hold either a 4 year term or a 2 year term.

15. Article V : The Executive Branch The Governor – 4 Year Terms The Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a team and are elected together in the General Election Requirements – 25 years old – 3 year resident of the state of Illinois – U.S. Citizen

16. Article V : The Executive Branch Responsibilities – Veto Power – Prepare & Propose the State Budget – Appoint State officials – Propose legislation – Grant pardons – “Face of Illinois” – Commander-In-Chief of the State Militia

17. Article V : The Executive Branch The Lieutenant Governor – Requirements: Same as the Governor – First in line if the governor dies, resigns from office, or takes federal office

18. Article V : The Executive Branch Secretary of State – Record Keeper – Heads the State Police – State Librarian – Issues Driver’s Licenses

19. Article V : The Executive Branch Attorney General – Chief prosecuting officer for the state (also works for counties) – Head of the legal department of Illinois – Will represent Illinois in trial

20. Article V : The Executive Branch Treasurer – Invests money for the state – Pays bills for the state – Keeps the State’s Money

21. Article V : The Executive Branch Comptroller – State’s Accountant – Orders money in and out of funds held by the Treasurer

22. Article V : The Executive Branch Gubernatorial Succession – Lieutenant Governor – Attorney General – Secretary of State

23. Article VI : The Judicial Branch Illinois Supreme Court – Cases from Circuit or Appellate Courts – Review of Death Sentence Add to your notes Three Levels of State Courts Supreme Court—10 year term Appellate Court—10 year term Circuit Courts—6 year term

24. Article VII : Local Government 5 Types of Levels Government – Counties – Municipalities – Towns & Townships – Special Districts Utilities, Park Districts, – School Districts

25. Article VII : Local Government Local Governments get their authority from the state. Most funding comes from property taxes.

26. Home Rule Home Rule: Local governments can make decisions without getting the approval from the state. – Gives the local governments more opportunity to address their own needs Example: create ordinances.

27. Article VIII : Finance Public Funds are for Public Purposes Keep Public Records of how funds are spent

28. Article IX: Revenue General Assembly has the power to tax

29. Article XIV : Constitutional Revisions People have the opportunity to vote on Amendments