Constitution of Illinois

Important features of the 1970 Constitution include the creation of home rule powers for larger municipalities and other units of local government.

The preamble of the 1970 Constitution is as follows: We, the People of the State of Illinois—grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors—in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves and our posterity—do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.

Section 4 provides for the Illinois General Assembly to establish rules for elections.

Provides for financial matters including obligation of funds, budgeting, spending, and audits.

This article requires that Illinois voters be asked at least every 20 years if they desire a constitutional convention.

The main topics of the election were whether it was sensible to have a constitution at that time and, if so, whether to form it and how to select appropriate representatives to frame it.

However, John Reynolds later noted that the meeting was largely peaceful although there were questions about how to handle slavery.

[10] Thomas J. Turner and Tazewell B. Tanner were delegates to an 1863 Illinois constitutional convention.

[11] The Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention convened on December 8, 1969 and concluded on September 3, 1970.

[12] The resulting fourth version of the Illinois Constitution was ratified by special election on December 15, 1970,[13] and went into effect on July 1, 1971.

[14] However, some provisions, such as the change in the dates for the election of constitutional officers, did not take effect for several years.

[15] Important features of the fourth Illinois Constitution include the creation of home rule powers for larger municipalities and other units of local government.