Illinois Constitution ARTICLE IV - THE LEGISLATURE
Illinois Constitution – Article IV: The Legislature
Article IV of the Illinois Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and procedures of the state’s Legislative Branch, which includes the General Assembly (comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives).
🔹 Key Sections and Provisions:
1. General Assembly Structure
The General Assembly consists of two houses:
Senate
House of Representatives
Members are elected from legislative districts.
Each district elects:
1 Senator
2 Representatives (from separate representative districts)
2. Qualifications for Legislators
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must be a resident of the district for 2 years preceding the election.
3. Legislative Terms
Senators serve either 2- or 4-year terms, staggered to ensure continuity.
Representatives serve 2-year terms.
4. Powers of the General Assembly
Pass laws, appropriate funds, and levy taxes.
Can override a governor’s veto with a three-fifths majority.
Has authority over impeachment:
The House impeaches.
The Senate conducts the trial.
5. Procedures and Rules
Must meet annually.
Requires a quorum to do business (majority of members).
Open meetings and recorded votes are required on final passage of bills.
6. Legislative Ethics and Restrictions
Members must avoid conflicts of interest.
Restrictions on incompatible offices, bribery, and lobbying.
7. Redistricting
Legislative districts are redrawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census.
If the General Assembly fails to agree on a map, a backup commission is used.
8. Passage of Laws
A bill must be read on three different days in each chamber.
A majority vote is required to pass legislation.
Governor’s veto power is subject to override by the legislature.
RELATED Blog
0 comments