Illinois.

On Feb. 3, 1809, the U. S. Congress approved an act that seperated Illinois from the Indiana Territory. The chief executive officer of the new territory was to be a Governor appointed by the President of the United States. With three territorial judges, the Governor formed a unicameral legislative body called the Council of Revision. Besides serving as commander-in-chief of the militia, the governor had broad administrative responsibilities empowering him to call elections, take censuses and function as the chief law enforcement officer for the territory.

The Secretary of the Territory, who was also appointed by the President was to keep and preserve all laws and public documents created by the Governor. Whenever the Governor left the Terriotry or upon his removal, resignation or death, the Secretary assumed the duties of the Governor. Under legislation adopted from the Indiana Territory, the Secretary kept a file of surety bonds posted by county officials. Results of county censuses taken by sheriffs, as well as election returns, were required to be filed with the Secretary.

Illinois has had four constitutions since becoming a state in 1818: the first state constitution was in effect from 1818 until 1848; the second (1848-1870); the third (1870-1970) and the fourth (1970- ). Additionally, there were Constitutional Conventions in 1862 and 1922, but the constitutions from these two conventions were not ratified by the voters.

Illinois has had four constitutions since becoming a state in 1818: the first state constitution was in effect from 1818 until 1848; the second (1848-1870); the third (1870-1970) and the fourth (1970- ). Additionally, there were Constitutional Conventions in 1862 and 1922, but the constitutions from these two conventions were not ratified by the voters.

When Congress approved an act that seperated Illinois from the Indiana Territory on Feb. 3, 1809, it stipulated that the administration of the new territory would follow the governmental structure set up in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Under this plan, the legislative branch of territorial governmental initially consisted of an unicameral legislative body called the Council of Revision, which was made up of the Governor and the three territorial judges appointed by the President of the United States. All legislation was subject to Congressional approval.

After Illinois became a territory of the second grade in 1812, its citizens could elect its own House of Representatives. This House then nominated ten of its members, from which the U. S. Congress chose five members to form the upper chamber of the new bicameral General Assembly. The General Assembly, comprised of the House and the new Legislative Council replaced the Council of Revision as the legislative branch of territorial government until Illinois obtained statehood in 1818.

Illinois has had four constitutions since becoming a state in 1818: the first state constitution was in effect from 1818 until 1848; the second (1848-1870); the third (1870-1970) and the fourth (1970- ). Additionally, there were Constitutional Conventions in 1862 and 1922, but the constitutions from these two conventions were not ratified by the voters.

Illinois has had four constitutions since becoming a state in 1818: the first state constitution was in effect from 1818 until 1848; the second (1848-1870); the third (1870-1970) and the fourth (1970- ). Additionally, there were Constitutional Conventions in 1862 and 1922, but the constitutions from these two conventions were not ratified by the voters.

Illinois has had four constitutions since becoming a state in 1818: the first state constitution was in effect from 1818 until 1848; the second (1848-1870); the third (1870-1970) and the fourth (1970- ). Additionally, there were Constitutional Conventions in 1862 and 1922, but the constitutions from these two conventions were not ratified by the voters.