Illinois Constitution

The Constitution of the State of Illinois is the governing document of the state of Illinois. There have been four Illinois Constitutions; the fourth and current version was adopted in 1970.

History

The first Illinois Constitution was adopted in 1818 when Illinois was admitted to the Union. Succeeding constitutions were ratified in 1848, 1870 and 1970.^[1] Important features of the fourth Illinois Constitution include the creation of home rule powers for larger municipalities and other units of local government. The current version of the Illinois Constitution was ratified by special election on December 15, 1970,^[2] and went into effect on July 1, 1971.^[3] However, some provisions, such as the change in the dates for the election of constitutional officers, did not take effect for several years.^[4]

In 1862 a constitutional convention was held, but the changes known as the "Copperhead constitution" were not ratified by the voters.^[5] A constitutional convention was held in 1920, but in 1922 the changes were rejected by voters.^[6]

Article XIV requires that Illinois voters be asked at least every 20 years if they desire a constitutional convention.^[7] In 1988 the measure failed 900,109 votes for and 2,727,144 against the measure. 1,069,939 other voters chose neither option.^[8] In 2008, the measure was also defeated by a wide margin,^[9] 1,493,203 votes for and 3,062,724 against from a total of 5,539,172 votes cast. 983,245 voters chose neither option.^[10]

Preamble

The preamble is as follows:

“

We, the People of the State of Illinois — grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors — in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves and our posterity - do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.[11]

”

Summary

The 1970 Constitution of Illinois has a preamble and 14 articles.

Article 1 is a Bill of rights and contains similar provisions as the United States Bill of Rights, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. It also contains items not included in the United States Constitution like section 18, which prohibits discrimination based on sex and section 19, which prohibits discrimination based on physical or mental handicaps.

Article 2, Powers of the State, describes the division of powers into executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Article 3, Suffrage and Elections, describes voting qualifications, disqualifications and other election rules. Section 1 stipulates that a person must be 18 years old and a resident of the state for 30 days to vote. Section 4 provides that the Illinois General Assembly establish rules for elections. Section 5 establishes rules for the state board of election, requiring that no political party have a majority on the board. Section 7 provides procedures to recall the Governor.

Article 4, the Legislature, provides rules for the Illinois General Assembly. Section 1 divides the assembly into two bodies, the Illinois Senate with 59 legislative districts and the Illinois House of Representatives with 118 representative districts. Section 2 describes the composition of the two bodies and section 3 describes legislative redistricting procedures. Section 9 describes procedures involving executive vetos of legislation. Section 14 describes impeachment rules.

Article 5, the Executive, describes rules for the six state elected members, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.

Article 6, the Judiciary, sets up rules for Supreme Court of Illinois, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the circuit or trial courts of Illinois.

Article 7, Local Government, provides rules for county, township and city governments and provides them with a limited ability to pass ordnances.

Article 8, Finance, provides for financial matters including obligation of funds, budgeting, spending and audits.

Article 9, Revenue, provides rules for various forms of taxation and state debt.

Article 10, Education, establishes the goal of free schooling through secondary education, high school and creates a state board of education.

Article 11, Environment, grants each person the "right to a healthful environment." It sets this as public policy and the duty of individuals to ensure a healthful environment be maintained.

Article 12, Militia, sets rules for the state militia saying, "The State militia consists of all able-bodied persons residing in the State except those exempted by law." It establishes the Governor of Illinois as the commander in chief of the militia and grants authority to use the militia to "enforce the laws, suppress insurrection or repel invasion."

Article 13, General provisions, establishes rules for persons holding public office. Section 7 provides for public transportation, allowing the General assembly to spend money to provide it.

Article 14, Constitutional Revision, describes procedures for amending the constitution of Illinois. Section one describes rules for constitutional conventions.

(Source: Southwestern Illinois College. Constitution study Guide. The Illinois Constitution.)

References

1. ^ Lusk, David W. Politics and Politicians: A Succinct History of the Politics of Illinois (Google Books), H. W. Rokker: 1884, pp. 326–328, and p. 142. Retrieved 18 September 2007.
2. ^ "Constitution of the State of Illinois," Illinois General Assembly, official site. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
3. ^ http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lru/Intro.pdf
4. ^ http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lrb/con5.htm
5. ^ Illinois History Teacher, Vol 3:1 1996. Illinois Copperheads & The American Civil War. Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. 1996.
6. ^ Illinois Blue Book 2005-2006. Illinois History timeline.
7. ^ Constitution of the State of Illinois. Article 14 - Constitutional revisions
8. ^ Proposed amendments. 1988 - Proposed call for a Constitutional Convention.
9. ^ Associated Press. Voters decide against holding constitutional convention. November 5, 2008.
10. ^ Illinois State Board of Elections. Statewide question totals - Call For Constitutional Convention November 4, 2008.
11. ^ "Constitution of the State of Illinois Preamble". http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lrb/conp.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-18. 

External links

• Illinois Constitution
• Understanding the Illinois Constitution, Illinois State Bar Association.