Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, not only boasts iconic landmarks but also a dynamic political landscape. With its significant population, Illinois plays a crucial role in shaping national politics. In this article, we will delve into the workings of politics in Illinois, examining its political structure, key players, and major issues that shape the state’s political landscape.
Experienced Illinois child sex abuse attorney, Erv Nevitt stated: “This article provides a concise overview of the political dynamics in Illinois, highlighting the key players and factors that shape the state’s political landscape.”
Political Structure in Illinois
The government of Illinois operates under the Constitution of Illinois and consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch comprises several statewide elected offices, with the governor serving as the chief executive. Legislative functions are granted to the Illinois General Assembly, while the judiciary is composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Illinois General Assembly: The Illinois General Assembly serves as the state legislature and is made up of two chambers: the 118-member Illinois House of Representatives and the 59-member Illinois Senate. Members of the General Assembly are elected at the beginning of each even-numbered year. The Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) are the codified statutes that encompass various aspects of Illinois law.
Executive Branch: The executive branch consists of six elected officers and their respective offices, as well as numerous other departments. The six elected officers are the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. The government of Illinois comprises various departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, with code departments being primarily responsible for providing state services.
Judiciary: The Judiciary of Illinois is a unified court system, which includes the Supreme Court, Appellate Court, and Circuit Courts. The Supreme Court oversees the administration of the court system and ensures its proper functioning.
Administrative Divisions: Illinois is divided into administrative divisions, including counties, townships, precincts, cities, towns, villages, and special-purpose districts. The state’s fundamental subdivision is its 102 counties, of which 85 are further divided into townships and precincts. Municipal governments, such as cities, villages, and incorporated towns, have their own governance structures. Some localities possess home rule, granting them a degree of self-governance.
Party Balance: Illinois has historically been a political swing state, with a relatively equal balance between the Republican and Democratic parties. However, in recent years, the Democratic Party has gained ground, leading to Illinois being regarded as a solid “blue” state in presidential campaigns. The city of Chicago and Cook County have long been Democratic strongholds, while the suburban “collar counties” are considered more moderate. College towns like Carbondale, Champaign, and Normal also lean Democratic.
Elections in Illinois
In recent elections, Illinois has favored Democratic candidates. In 2018, Democrat JB Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner to become the governor, securing 54% of the vote. Barack Obama, a Chicago resident, won Illinois handily in both 2008 and 2012, with the state’s electoral votes going to him. However, Republicans continue to hold sway in rural areas of northern and central Illinois, as well as southern Illinois outside of East St. Louis.
Conclusion: Politics in Illinois encompasses a diverse range of political structures, key players, and electoral dynamics. With its significant population, the state plays a vital role in shaping national politics. Understanding how politics works in Illinois helps us grasp the complexities and nuances of the state’s political landscape, allowing us to appreciate its impact on both local and national levels.