The Illinois ConstitutionThe role of the states in Federalism

Illinois State Symbols•Illinois state bird?

•Illinois state animal?

•Illinois state flower?

•Illinois state fish?

Illinois State Symbols• Illinois state bird?

Cardinal

• Illinois state animal? White Tailed Deer

• Illinois state flower? Purple Violet

• Illinois state fish? Bluegill

Illinois State Symbols (II)• Illinois state tree?

• Illinois state fossil?

• Illinois state snack food?

• Illinois state dance?

Illinois State Symbols (II)• Illinois state tree?

White Oak

• Illinois state fossil? Tully’s Monster

• Illinois state snack food? Popcorn

• Illinois state dance? Square Dance

Focus Question:•What role do the states play in the

government system of the United States?

The Federal System of Government•Union of states under the authority of a

central government▫Division of Powers▫Role of Supremacy

Clause▫Tenth Amendment

Illinois•Guaranteed ‘Republican’ form of

government•Admitted as a state in 1818.•Fourth Constitution

▫1818▫1848▫1870▫1970

Branches of Government•State government divided into three

branches▫Legislative▫Executive▫Judicial

•Each branch serves same function as in the national government

Structure of the Constitution •Divided into two parts

▫Preamble▫Articles (14)

Amendments are placed directly into the Constitution

Replace or added to existing articles

Bill of Rights•Placed directly into the First Article

▫Many similar to the national Bill of Rights▫Guarantees rights of due process▫Forbids discrimination on basis of gender

or physical handicap▫Right of eminent domain

Rules for Local Government•Outlined in Article 7•Provides for county and township

governments•Provides different forms of

municipal government•Provides for “home rule”

jurisdiction

Constitutional Role•Illinois does:

▫Hold all the “Reserved” and “Concurrent” Powers

▫Maintain all powers under Article IV▫Barred from certain powers in Article I▫Hold onto unnamed powers through the

Tenth Amendment•Common for all states

Summary•Identify the most important item learned

in today’s class. Why do you think that was the most important thing learned today?