Provisions and Principles I
What are amendments to the Constitution?
Changes or additions to the Constitution.
How many amendments are there to the US Constitution? Why so few?
27 amendments; the process to amend the Constitution is intentionally difficult to ensure stability.
What is the name of the Illinois Legislative Branch?
General Assembly
What is the unique power the IL Governor has that the president of the US does not?
Line-item veto.
What are the Qualifications for Supreme Court justice?
None specified in the Constitution.
What are the key provisions of the first 3 Articles?
Article I: Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress)
Article II: Establishes the Executive Branch (President).
Article III: Establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).
What is the basic purpose of the 1st Amendment?
Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What are the Qualifications for Illinois legislature?
U.S. citizen, 21 years old, resident of the district for 2 years.
List the 3 levels of courts in IL Court system
Circuit Courts (lowest)
Appellate Courts
Supreme Court (highest).
What is the Supreme Court Justice Term of office?
Life tenure, subject to good behavior.
What kind/type of government was created by the Constitution?
A federal republic with a system of checks and balances.
How do amendments get added to the Constitution?
By a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.
What are the Illinois Redistricting rules as stated in the state Constitution?
Must ensure equal representation and follow population data.
Who is our current IL Governor?
J.B. Pritzker
Who creates lower courts?
Congress.
Which Article is considered the “Supremacy Clause” and what does it state?
Article VI. It states that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
What is the basic purpose of the 15th Amendment?
Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.
Who steps in as acting Governor of IL if the current Governor is not able to perform his duties?
Lieutenant Governor succeeds; outlined in Illinois Constitution.
What political party does our current IL Governor Represent?
Democrat party
What is Judicial Review and what case created this principle of the Constitution?
The power to declare laws unconstitutional; Marbury v. Madison
What is the basic purpose of the 5th Amendment?
Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process.
What is the basic purpose of the 25th Amendment?
Establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability.
What is the main difference between Governor’s Cabinet vs. President’s Cabinet?
Illinois officials are often elected, not appointed.
When is the next IL Governor election?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
What is the Only crime defined in the Constitution?
Treason.