Publisher's Synopsis
Following the format of other volumes in the highly praised Reference Guides to the State Constitutions of the United States series, this guide offers an analysis of the Illinois state constitution and its role in the lives of Prairie State residents and their governing officials.
When Illinois adopted a new constitution in 1970, it achieved one of the rare successes in total state constitutional revision in the second half of the 20th century. This volume provides an introduction to the history and law of the Illinois Constitution, including that most recent revision.
The Illinois State Constitution: A Reference Guide traces the history of Illinois constitutionalism from statehood in 1818 to the adoption of the state's fourth constitution in 1970. Ann M. Lousin, who has been a party to Illinois constitutional development and government since 1970, provides a provision-by-provision commentary and analysis of the state's current constitution, covering the Preamble, the Bill of Rights, and the various articles and amendments, including a survey of case law under each provision. A bibliographic essay and list of cases offer significant sources for further study.
