The Illinois Constitution and
State Symbols
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Illinois Constitution and
State Symbols
John Deere's invention of the prairie plow in 1837 gave encouragement to
Illinois agriculture and it became a leading agricultural state. After the
Civil War, Illinois turned to the development of its natural resources and to
its transportation. By 1870 coal mining had become one of Illinois' largest
industries. Because of improved
transportation, an abundance of coal, and westward movement of industry
Illinois quickly became a great industrial region. Sprawling, vigorous Chicago
was destined to become the manufacturing center, not only of Illinois, but the
entire Midwest
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 The Constitution of 1870 had proven to be outdated and it had been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 had
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 of government with similar
functions. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution have a bill
of rights.
Changing the
State Constitution
The two ways of amending the Constitution are:
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.
To find information on the various state symbols, you may visit either of
the following links.
Illinois Symbols
Symbols and Game
State Flag
Constitution Text