Eleanor Finch
The Illinois Constitution has been amended 15 times since its adoption in 1970. The most recent amendment to the Illinois Constitution, Amendment 1, was approved by voters on November 8, 2022. Illinois has had four state constitutions, with the current version being the fourth, ratified in a special election on December 15, 1970, and taking effect on July 1, 1971. The Illinois Constitution is the fundamental document outlining the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Amendments to the Illinois Constitution can be proposed through a constitutional convention or by the state legislature, and they must be approved by either a majority of those voting in the election or three-fifths of those voting on the amendment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the last amendment | November 8, 2022 |
| Name of the last amendment | Amendment 1 |
| Number of amendments to the 1970 Constitution | 15 |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois Constitution amended 15 times since 1970
The Illinois Constitution has been amended 15 times since its adoption in 1970. The constitution is the fundamental document that outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
The Illinois Constitution has a rich history, with the state having had four constitutions in total. The current version, known as the "Constitution of Illinois of 1970" or simply the "1970 Constitution," was the result of the Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention, which took place from December 8, 1969, to September 3, 1970. It was ratified by a special election on December 15, 1970, and went into effect on July 1, 1971.
The 1970 Constitution of Illinois includes a preamble and 14 articles. One of its important features is the creation of home rule powers for larger municipalities and other units of local government. It also includes provisions such as the change in dates for the election of constitutional officers, which took effect a few years after the constitution's ratification.
The Illinois Constitution provides four mechanisms for amendments: a constitutional convention, a legislative process, and a citizen-initiated process. To amend the constitution through a constitutional convention, Illinois voters are asked at least every 20 years if they desire one, as outlined in Article XIV. The last time this measure was put to a vote was in 2008, and it failed with 67% of voters against it.
The other methods for amending the Illinois Constitution include the legislative process and the citizen-initiated process. The legislative process allows the state legislature to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide, requiring a 60% vote during one legislative session. The citizen-initiated process, on the other hand, requires signatures from 8% of voters who cast a ballot for the governor in the previous gubernatorial election, and amendments must be approved by either a majority of those voting or three-fifths of those voting on the amendment.
The most recent amendment to the Illinois Constitution, Amendment 1, was approved by voters on November 8, 2022. While the specific changes made by this amendment are not explicitly mentioned, it is clear that the Illinois Constitution remains a living document that can be adapted to meet the evolving needs and desires of the state's citizens.
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Voters approved Amendment 1 on November 8, 2022
The Illinois Constitution of 1970 was amended for the fifteenth time on November 8, 2022, when voters approved Amendment 1. This amendment was the latest change to the current state constitution, which has been in place since 1970 and outlines the state's framework for governance.
Illinois has had four state constitutions in total. The first was ratified in 1818, with succeeding constitutions established in 1848, 1870, and 1970. The 1970 Constitution introduced home rule powers for larger municipalities and local governments. It consists of a preamble, 14 articles, and a schedule.
Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution requires that voters be asked at least every 20 years if they wish to convene a constitutional convention. The last time this occurred was in 2008, when the ballot measure failed with 67% voting against it.
Amending the Illinois Constitution involves a specific process. Amendments are limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in Article IV. They must be approved by either a majority of voters in an election or three-fifths of those voting specifically on the amendment. Additionally, according to Article XVI, the state legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide.
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Amendments are limited to structural and procedural subjects
The Illinois Constitution, the governing document of the US state of Illinois, was last amended in 2022. This latest amendment process addressed a range of topics, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the state's legal and political framework. While amendments are a crucial mechanism for updating and improving the constitution, they are deliberately restricted to specific areas. Indeed, amendments to the Illinois Constitution are limited to structural and procedural subjects, ensuring that any changes maintain the integrity and balance of the document.
The focus on structural and procedural matters means that amendments typically address the organization and functioning of Illinois' government institutions. This includes defining the powers and responsibilities of key offices, outlining the processes for lawmaking and administration, and establishing the framework for the state's judiciary. By limiting amendments to these areas, it prevents the constitution from becoming a vehicle for sweeping policy changes or ideological shifts. Instead, it preserves the constitution's role as a stable foundation for the state's governance.
The limitation on amendment topics helps maintain a consistent framework for state governance. Structural amendments ensure that the government's organization remains logical and effective. For example, an amendment might propose merging or restructuring government departments to streamline administration or clarify the roles of different branches of government to improve efficiency and accountability. Procedural amendments, on the other hand, focus on the processes through which laws are made and implemented. These amendments can refine the law-making process, influence the execution of policies, or outline the steps for resolving disputes and interpreting laws.
Restricting amendments to structural and procedural subjects also prevents the Illinois Constitution from becoming a platform for partisan politics or temporary shifts in public opinion. By design, constitutions are intended to provide enduring frameworks that transcend political cycles and short-term trends. Limiting the scope of amendments helps achieve this longevity by ensuring that any changes are carefully considered and broadly acceptable to the state's citizens. It also prevents the constitution from becoming a cumbersome and confusing document, laden with conflicting or overlapping provisions.
The process of amending the Illinois Constitution is deliberately rigorous and inclusive. It requires a supermajority vote in both houses of the state legislature to approve a proposed amendment, followed by ratification by the state's citizens through a referendum. This ensures that amendments reflect the will of the people and are not merely the product of political bargaining or temporary legislative majorities. The focus on structural and procedural subjects guides this process, providing clear parameters for lawmakers and citizens alike.
In conclusion, while the Illinois Constitution can and should evolve through amendments, limiting these changes to structural and procedural subjects is essential for maintaining the document's integrity and effectiveness. This approach ensures that the constitution remains a stable foundation for state governance, adaptable to the needs of a changing society while preserving the balance of powers and the rights of citizens. The Illinois Constitution's amendment process, with its focus on structural and procedural matters, reflects a thoughtful and deliberate approach to lawmaking at the state level.
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Constitutional conventions happen every 20 years
The Illinois Constitution has been amended 15 times since its adoption in 1970. The last amendment, Amendment 1, was approved by voters on November 8, 2022.
Illinois has had four state constitutions, with the current one being the fourth version, referred to as the "Constitution of Illinois of 1970" or the "1970 Constitution". This constitution has a preamble, 14 articles, and a schedule.
Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution requires that voters be asked at least every 20 years if they wish to hold a constitutional convention. This means that constitutional conventions are not guaranteed to happen every 20 years, but rather that the question of whether to hold one must be put to a vote at least that often. The last time this measure was put to a vote was in 2008, when it failed with 67% of voters against it.
Illinois is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question every 20 years. This question can also be placed before voters if 60% of the members of both houses of the Illinois General Assembly vote in favor of it. If the question appears on the ballot, it must be approved by a supermajority vote of 60% of those voting on the question or a majority of those who cast a ballot in that election.
Constitutional conventions have played an important role in the history of Illinois, with conventions held in 1862, 1863, 1920, and 1969-1970. However, the changes proposed at these conventions were not always ratified by voters, as was the case in 1862, 1922, and 1928.
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Amendments require a supermajority vote of 60%
The Illinois Constitution has been amended 15 times since its adoption in 1970. The last amendment was added on November 8, 2022, when voters approved Amendment 1.
Amending the Illinois Constitution is a complex process that requires a supermajority vote of 60%. This high threshold ensures that any changes to the state's fundamental governing document are carefully considered and broadly supported by the people of Illinois.
The process of amending the Illinois Constitution typically begins with a proposal for a constitutional amendment. This proposal can come from several sources, including citizen initiatives or the state legislature, known as the General Assembly. For a citizen initiative to qualify, it must gather a significant number of signatures, specifically 8% of the votes cast for the governor in the previous gubernatorial election. This requirement ensures that any proposed amendment has a substantial level of support from Illinois citizens before it proceeds further.
Once a proposed amendment clears this initial hurdle, it is then presented to the General Assembly. For an amendment to be approved and placed on the ballot for voters to decide, it requires a supermajority vote of 60% in the General Assembly. In absolute terms, this amounts to a minimum of 71 votes in the Illinois House of Representatives and 36 votes in the Illinois State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
The requirement for a supermajority vote of 60% serves as a critical check and balance in the amendment process. It ensures that amendments have strong legislative support and helps to prevent the passage of amendments that may be controversial or divisive. By setting a high bar for approval, Illinois encourages consensus-building and promotes amendments that are broadly reflective of the state's diverse population.
In summary, the supermajority vote requirement of 60% plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the Illinois Constitution. It ensures that any changes to the state's governing framework are thoroughly vetted, widely supported, and in the best interests of Illinois citizens as a whole.
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Frequently asked questions
The last amendment to the Illinois Constitution was added on November 8, 2022.
The current Illinois Constitution has been amended 15 times.
The current Illinois Constitution was adopted in 1970 and is referred to as the "Constitution of Illinois of 1970" or the "1970 Constitution".
Illinois has had four state constitutions.
