il test

Illinois Constitution

Longer and more specific than the US Constitution; starts with a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

The section of the Illinois Constitution that is longer and more specific compared to the US Constitution.

General Assembly

The legislative branch of Illinois, which is bicameral, consisting of a House and Senate.

Bicameral

Having two chambers, as in the Illinois General Assembly which includes a House of Representatives and a Senate.

Total Veto

Governor can veto the entire bill; can be overridden with 3/5 of both chambers.

Amendatory Veto

Governor can make specific changes in a bill after it has passed in the General Assembly.

Line-Item/Reduction Veto

Governor can reduce or eliminate the amount of money appropriated in a revenue bill.

State Supreme Court

The highest court in Illinois, comprised of 7 judges who hear final appeals.

Circuit Courts

General trial courts in Illinois, with judges elected to 6-year terms.

Retention

The process by which judges remain in office without being re-elected but rather through a confirmation ballot.

Proposal for Amendment

Requires a 3/5 vote from each branch of the General Assembly to initiate a state constitutional convention.

Ratification

The approval process by the people in a statewide ballot, called a referendum, for amendments.

General Purpose Units

Local governments in Illinois that provide multiple basic services, including police, fire, roads, water, and sewer.

Special Purpose Units

Local governments in Illinois dedicated to a single purpose, such as school districts or parks.

Amendment Procedure

The process that involves proposal and ratification by the General Assembly and state voters, respectively.

Legislative Term for Representatives

Representatives in Illinois serve a 2-year term.

Executive Officer

The Governor of Illinois, currently JB Pritzker, who serves a 4-year term.

Judicial Qualifications

Judges in Illinois must be lawyers, live in the district they represent, and are elected.