Each August 26 is Illinois Constitution Day, as designated by the state’s General Assembly. The date honors the ratification of the first Illinois state constitution, on Aug. 26, 1818.

Illinois has had four constitutions in its history – 1818, 1848, 1870, and 1970. It is hardly unusual for states to update their constitutions; as times change, governing procedures change as well.

Illinois is considerably more stable than other states on new constitutions. Louisiana has had eleven state constitutions in its history, while Georgia has had nine.

Compared to the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois document is twice as long and much more detailed. While the first two efforts, in 1818 and 1848, were flawed, the last two have been much effective and long-lasting.

As Illinois prepared for statehoo

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