THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION

ILLINOIS HAS A CONSTITUTION TOO!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Above: The Executive Mansion in

downtown Springfield is the official residence of the

Governor

Left: The Illinois State Capital building in Springfield

Below: The Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS – EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Governor Chief executive officer of Illinois.

See that laws passed by the General Assembly are carried out

Make an annual report to the General Assembly

Propose a budget for the state Signs or veto bills passed by the

General Assembly Appoints the directors of State

agencies Nominates state officials

(approved by Senate) Lieutenant Governor 

Similar to the Vice President of the United States.

Performs any duties assigned by the Governor.

If the Governor dies suddenly or is unable to serve, the Lieutenant Governor becomes governor.

Attorney General Chief legal officer of Illinois. Represents the state, state agencies,

and state officials in court. Chief law enforcement officer in Illinois.

Coordinates crime-fighting activities with state, county, and local authorities. 

Secretary of State Keeps the official  records of the

General Assembly and the executive branch.

Licenses drivers and keeps drivers records, issues vehicle license plates and titles, and registers corporations. 

Comptroller Chief fiscal officer for Illinois. Reviews all bills and payments, pays

the state’s bills, keeps records, and helps set financial policies for the state. 

Treasurer Acts as the state’s banker, keeping and

investing the money the state receives through taxes.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS – LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

•General Assembly

•Two Branches – House & Senate

•59 legislative districts

•1 senator and 2 representatives from each district = 59 senators and 118 representatives

IL House of Representatives

Chamber

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS – JUDICIARY BRANCH

HOW A BILL BECOM

ES A LAW IN ILLINOIS

ROLE OF CITIZENS

•Be informed•Consider voting a civic duty•Know your rights and freedoms