Preamble and Power
This introductory section explains the purpose of the Constitution and where the power of government comes from.
The Preamble
Both the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions contain one of these, which lists the fundamental rights of citizens.
Bill of Rights
This amendment protects your right to practice any religion, or no religion at all, and your right to speak freely.
1st amendment
When a student is at school, these people generally have more authority to limit their rights to maintain safety
School Administration
On May 1, 2026, many educators and workers participated in these "Strong" events to advocate for labor rights and public school funding.
May Day Events
The phrase "We the People" represents this democratic principle, meaning the people are the source of government power.
Popular Sovereignty
Just like the national government, the Illinois government is divided into these three sections.
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
This amendment protects you from "unreasonable searches and seizures" of your home or property
4th amendment
In a case where one roommate says "yes" to a search and the other says "no," the police may face a challenge based on this amendment
4th amendment
The Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais recently changed how states can draw these, which may impact the 2026 midterm elections.
Congressional Redistricting
This term refers to the method of dividing government into three branches to ensure no one part becomes too powerful.
separation of powers
This is one major way the Illinois Constitution differs from the U.S. Constitution regarding how its leaders are chosen.
Judges and executive officials are elected, but at the federal level, they are appointed.
Because of this amendment, a person accused of a crime cannot be forced to testify against themselves in court.
5th amendment
A "gag order" is a judge's attempt to balance the defendant's right to a fair trial with the media's right to this.
Freedom of Speech/ Press
President Trump recently signed an executive order establishing "TrumpIRA.gov" to help workers with this financial goal.
Retirement Savings
This principle prevents any one branch from abusing power by giving the other branches ways to block their actions.
checks and balances
If you want to change a state policy affecting your neighborhood, you might use this right to gather names on a document to show support.
The Right to Petition
This amendment guarantees a "speedy and public trial" by an impartial jury.
6th amendment
Courts often rule that student rights are limited because schools must provide this type of "environment" for all students.
Safe and Orderly
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently opposed a proposed postal rule that would have allowed unlawful access to these through the mail.
Guns/ Firearms
This part of the Constitution is often cited by civic actors as the most important because it defines their role in a democracy.
Bill of Rights
This state-level act, passed recently in Illinois, allows citizens to sue federal officers for violating their state constitutional rights.
** Points won't be taken off **
The Illinois Bivens Act
the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments all deal with the expansion of this specific civic right.
The Right to Vote
Identify the two specific Bill of Rights amendments in conflict when a lawyer asks for a gag order to prevent pretrial publicity.
1st and 6th
In April 2026, the Supreme Court heard a major case regarding the 4th Amendment and technology. What specific type of electronic information was at the center of the dispute over whether federal agents need a warrant to access it?
Smartphone Location Data