The document provides information on the Illinois Constitution and government. It discusses how Illinois became a state in 1818 as the 21st state. It outlines the main branches of government - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It describes the roles and leaders of each branch, including the governor, legislators, and Supreme Court justices. It also lists some state symbols of Illinois such as the state flower, bird, insect, and others.

1. Illinois Constitution

2. The French created settlements in Illinois territory in the mid 1680’s They sent Joliet & Father Marquette to explore the region These two opened the area for other explores The French began to set up settlements for fur trading The settlements were along the “Great American Bottom”

4. Illinois History The French lost the territory to the British following the French & Indian War Following the Revolutionary War the Illinois territory was part of the United States To be added as a state; Illinois followed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787

5. Statehood 21st State 1818

6. Capitals in Illinois Kaskaskia Vandalia Springfield

7. Characteristics of State Constitutions Contain a Bill of Rights For the most part close to that of the U.S. Constitution State Constitutions are very detailed Organization follows that of the U.S. constitution

8. Constitutions of Illinois 1818 1848 1870 1970

9. Legislative Branch Main duty : make laws Main body is the General Assembly, consisting of the Senate & the House of Representatives. Members must be 21 or older, resident of district for at least two years, & be a citizen. Salary: $57,619 Duties of General Assembly include making laws, conducting investigations, constitutional revisions, planning redistricting.

10. Bills must pass both houses with a majority vote A bill passed by the General Assembly must be sent to the Governor within 60 days Governor signs bills becomes law If Governor vetoes, the houses can override with a 3/5 vote There is no pocket veto Governor does have a line-item veto (governor can reduce or veto any item )

11. Lawmaking Process Bills must pass both houses & be sent to Governor. A. If Governor signs, the bill is law, he/she has 60 days, if he/she does not act in 60 days the bill is law. B. If the Governor vetoes, the houses can try to pass by 3/5 vote, & if they do, bill becomes law.

12. House of Representatives 118 members Local representative: District #102, Ron Stephens-R Term: 2 years, election in even-numbered years Powers: Pass bills & send to Senate, start impeachment. Officers: Speaker of the House selected by the house.

13. Senate 59 members Your local State Senator: District # 51, Frank Watson—R Terms: 4 years, ½ selected every even-numbered years. Powers: Pass bills & send to House, try impeachments, approve Governor’s appointments Officers: President of Senate elected by Senate.

14. Executive Branch Main duty: enforce laws

15. Governor duties: carrying out state laws signing or vetoing bills calling special sessions of General Assembly commanding the IL National Guard in peacetime Rod Blagojevich

16. Lt. Governor Serves as chairman of many boards & organization Assists the governor/duties assigned by the governor Similar to the Vice President Pat Quinn (D)

17. Attorney General State’s chief lawyer State’s chief law enforcement officer Works to protect consumers & safe guard the environment Lisa Madigan (D)

18. Secretary of State State’s chief clerk & record keeper Provides direct service to more IL citizens than any other public agency Also oversees the State Library Jesse White (D)

19. Comptroller Chief financial officer Orders payments in & out of state funds Ensures units of local government prepare & submit reports Dan Hynes (D)

20. Treasurer Custodian of state funds State’s banker Invests the state’s money Alexi Giannoulius (D)

21. Judicial Branch Main duty: interpret laws, administer justice Court system is divided into three types of courts and the state is divided into five judicial districts. 1. Supreme Court---Original jurisdiction, final court of appeal in cases from the Circuit Court, seven judges, 10 year elected term. 2. Appellate Court---appeals from Circuit Court 3. Circuit Courts---general trial courts, six year terms

22. Qualifications (Judge) 1. Citizen of Illinois 2. Licensed attorney of the state 3. Resident of the district they represent .

23. State Symbols State Flower Violet

24. State Symbols State Bird Cardinal

25. State Symbols State Insect Monarch Butterfly State Prairie Grass Big Bluestem

26. State Symbols State Fish Bluegill State Animal White Tail Deer

27. State Symbols State Mineral Fluorite State Fossil Tully Monster

28. State Symbols State Dance Square Dance State Song “ Illinois”