Illinois’ sixth Constitutional Convention convened in Springfield on Dec. 8, 1969. The hundred and sixteen members — two elected from each Senatorial District — met at a nonpartisan convention to revise, alter or amend the 1870 Constitution.
After nine months of in-depth study and debate, the members presented their work-product to the people — a Constitution they considered to be workable for 25, 50— or as in the case of the 1870 Constitution — 100 years.
The Constitution was adopted in convention, Sept. 3, 1970; ratified by the people, Dec. 15, 1970; and became effective July 1, 1971. Since its adoption, 10 amendments have been approved and adopted.
Download a copy of the Illinois Constitution.
The Illinois Supreme Court has seven justices, elected from judicial districts for a term of 10 years. Three justices are elected from the First District (Cook County), and one from each of the other four districts. The Court has general administrative and supervisory authority over all courts in the state.
The Illinois Appellate Court hears appeals from the Circuit Courts. There are five districts of the Appellate Court, and Judges are elected for 10-year terms. Cook County, which comprises the 1st District, has 18 Appellate Judges
The Unified Trial Court in Illinois is the Circuit Court comprised of Circuit and Associate Judges. The state is divided into 23 judicial circuits, each having one Chief Judge elected by the Circuit Judges. The Chief Judge has general administrative authority in his or her circuit, subject to the overall administrative authority of the Supreme Court.