Illinois Constitution ARTICLE VII - LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Illinois Constitution – Article VII: Local Government
Adopted in the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of local governments in Illinois, including counties, municipalities, townships, and special districts.
🔹 Summary of Article VII – Local Government
Section 1 – General Provisions
Recognizes counties, municipalities, townships, and units of local government.
Encourages intergovernmental cooperation.
Section 2 – County Government
Counties may adopt home rule (self-governing powers) by referendum.
Non-home rule counties have powers as prescribed by law.
Section 3 – County Board
Each county must elect a county board responsible for county governance.
Counties with a chief executive officer can choose that position by election or appointment.
Section 4 – County Officers
Each county must elect a sheriff, county clerk, and treasurer for 4-year terms.
Duties of these officers are determined by law or county ordinance.
Section 5 – Townships
Allows counties to adopt or discontinue township form of government by referendum.
Section 6 – Powers of Home Rule Units
Home rule units (municipalities with over 25,000 population and any county with an elected chief executive) can:
Exercise any power and perform any function not prohibited by law.
Tax, regulate, and license to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Home rule is a strong grant of power, broader than non-home rule units.
Section 7 – Initiative and Referendum
Permits local voters to initiate and pass ordinances by referendum, under conditions set by law.
Section 8 – Powers and Officers of Local Governments
Non-home rule units can exercise limited powers as defined by the General Assembly.
Provides for election or appointment of local officials.
Section 9 – Salaries and Fees
Local officials’ compensation is to be set by law or ordinance and cannot be changed during their term.
Section 10 – Intergovernmental Cooperation
Local governments may contract or cooperate with other governmental units, including federal agencies.
Section 11 – Transition and Continuity
Ensures continuity of local government under the new constitution.
🧾 Key Features
Home rule is a major feature, allowing significant autonomy to local governments.
Encourages voter involvement through referenda and initiatives.
Promotes local flexibility and self-governance, especially for larger municipalities.
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