THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION AND VOTING

Illinois Constitution

The first Constitution of Illinois was adopted in 1818 by a convention, which met in Kaskaskia.

In 1848, a new constitution was adopted. This constitution was noted for the increase of power to the people since they could now elect many government officials.

In 1862, a new constitution was discussed, but not adopted. In 1869, another new proposal met with success and became the new constitution in 1870.

In 1969, Illinois voters elected delegates to a new constitutional convention. The Constitution of 1870 had proven to be outdated and it had been almost impossible to govern Illinois under such a document. The new convention met for the first time in 1970 under the leadership of Samuel Witwer, who fought for 23 years for a new constitution. A new constitution was written, adopted in convention on September 3, 1970, and approved by the voters on December 15, 1970. The Constitution of 1970 went into force on July 1, 1971.

Organization

The U.S. Constitution gives certain responsibilities to the states. To carry these out, states have set up state constitutions. The state government, for example, is responsible for state highway construction and maintenance, local laws, intrastate commerce, traffic laws, education, marriage and divorce laws, hospitals, voting regulations and etc... The organization of state government is very similar to that of the federal government. Both have three branches (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) of government with similar functions. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution have a bill of rights.

Changing the State Constitution

There are 2 ways of amending the Constitution.

1. Constitutional Convention: If 3/5 of the members in each House of the General Assembly (state legislature) approve, there can be a call for a constitutional convention, which voters can approve or disapprove.

2. By the General Assembly: If 3/5 of each house of the General Assembly approve, amendments can be proposed by the General Assembly. These must be submitted to the voters at the next general election.

Voting Qualifications

To vote in Illinois, a person must be at least 18 years old, a resident of their district for 30 days and a citizen. Voters must register with the local election district at least 28 days before the election.

Voting Disqualification

A person convicted of a felony or who is otherwise under sentence in jail loses the right to vote. This right is restored after the sentence is served.

General Election

General elections are always held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.

Referendums

Voters are sometimes asked not only to vote for candidates, but also to vote on public issues such as bond issues of some governmental body or change in the state constitution. A tax increase for a school is settled by referendum.

Lesson 7 Quiz