The Illinois State Constitution
The Illinois State Constitution

Author: Ann Lousin

Publisher: Oxford University Press on Demand

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13: 0199766924

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Since Illinois became a state in 1818, it has been a microcosm of the country at every stage of its development, from its status as a "free" state in antebellum America to a state rich in agriculture and industry whose goods and services now travel the world. Illinois' four state constitutions have reflected its changing values. Illinois is currently one of the few states that have adopted a new constitution since World War II. This 1970 constitution has become a model for countries in Central and Eastern Europe seeking examples of modern American constitutions. The Illinois State Constitution traces the history of the state's constitution from its statehood in 1818 to the adoption of the state's fourth constitution in 1970. Ann M. Lousin, who has been involved in Illinois constitutional development and government for over four decades, provides 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. Previously published by Greenwood, this title has been brought back in to circulation by Oxford University Press with new verve. Re-printed with standardization of content organization in order to facilitate research across the series, this title, as with all titles in the series, is set to join the dynamic revision cycle of The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States. The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States is an important series that reflects a renewed international interest in constitutional history and provides expert insight into each of the 50 state constitutions. Each volume in this innovative series contains a historical overview of the state's constitutional development, a section-by-section analysis of its current constitution, and a comprehensive guide to further research. Under the expert editorship of Professor G. Alan Tarr, Director of the Center on State Constitutional Studies at Rutgers University, this series provides essential reference tools for understanding state constitutional law. Books in the series can be purchased individually or as part of a complete set, giving readers unmatched access to these important political documents.

Illinois Deserves Better
Illinois Deserves Better

Author: Bruno Behrend

Publisher: Booksurge Publishing

Published: 2008-05

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781419696732

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Is the case for an Illinois Constitutional Convention really IRONCLAD? On November 4th, 2008, Illinois citizens will have a once in a generationopportunity to call a Constitutional Convention. If you stop reading thisbook after this paragraph, please take away this singularly importantmessage. *If a better Illinois and a more honest government is your goal,then there is no intellectually sound reason to vote "No" on this ballotquestion. *This book will prove that proposition. The authors will take you through the trials and tribulations confrontingIllinois, while showing that our sad state of affairs is a direct result ofthe perhaps well-intentioned, but poorly written and conceived Constitutionof 1970. Unlike many who simply "curse the darkness" of Illinois politics, this bookshines the light of reason of how we got here and how to find our way back.The authors lay out a clear case that the problem with the IllinoisConstitution is directly related to its massive transfer of power *from* thecitizens *to* the Government. The book continues with numerous proposals that make for an elegant andconcise set of solutions to the problems that plague Illinois (complete withmodel language). The book has the audacity to propose that we return powerto the citizens of Illinois.Author Bio: *John C. A. Bambenek* is currently an academic professional at theUniversity of Illinois in Urbana specializing in information securityresearch particularly in the areas of identity theft, economic warfare,emerging threats and digital forensics. He is considered an expert in thefield and has been cited numerous times by the New York Times, WashingtonPost and other news media. He once was a guest on the Daily Show with JonStewart. Additionally, he is executive director of the Tumaini Foundation, anorganization that is assisting AIDS orphans and other disadvantaged childrenin Tanzania to get an education. It is his belief that education providesthe key to economic prosperity for both the individual and a society and isa strong advocate for effective education for youth. He co-founded the Illinois Citizens Coalition and wrote Illinois DeservesBetter because he believes the problems Illinois faces are systemic andproducts of a constitution that gives far too much power to the entrenchedinterests in the state. *Bruno Behrend* is a lifelong Illinois resident who grew up in Lake Forest,Illinois, graduated from University of Illinois (1983) with a degree inFinance and from IIT-Kent College of Law (1990). Mr. Behrend is currently the Host of the Extreme Wisdom Radio Show on WKRS -1220 AM broadcasting out of Waukegan, Illinois. The Extreme Wisdom Radioshow features cultural and political discussion ranging acrossinternational, national, state, and local issues, but with a strong focus onthe State of Illinois. The hallmark of the show is his commitment toallowing his callers to voice their views without rude interruption. The Extreme Wisdom Show is a great mix of college level content andconservative ideas, delivered in an intelligent, polite manner that mosttalk show hosts seem incapable of. He describes his show as a lesspretentious and less slanted NPR. Bruno has a background as a database consultant to the not-for-profitcommunity and was formerly Field Director for FreedomWorks in Illinois. He has abackground in various areas, including: Public Policy Research, DatabaseConsulting (specialist in fundraising software), Real Estate Investing andDevelopment, Corporate Seminar and Training Development. His current project is securing the passage of a referendum on theConstitutional Convention in November of 2008. Mr. Behrend is advocatingreforms that, if ratified, will return control of Illinois policy-making tothe citizens of Illinois by reducing the power of the dysfunctional Illinoispolitical class. To that end, Bruno has formed the Illinois Citizens Coalition, an IllinoisPolitical Action Committee dedicated to informing Illinois citizens aboutthe many positive opportunities offered by a Constitutional Convention.

The Green Amendment
The Green Amendment

Author: Maya K. Van Rossum

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781633310216

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2017 INDIE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALIST "A rallying cry . . . Everyone who is concerned about the welfare of all species, including human beings. Please read this important book." --Richard Louv, chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network and author of LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS and THE NATURE PRINCIPLE The Constitutional Change We Need to Protect Our Priceless Natural Resources For decades, activists have relied on federal and state legislation to fight for a cleaner environment. And for decades, they've been fighting a losing battle. The sad truth is, our laws are designed to accommodate pollution rather than prevent it. It's no wonder people feel powerless when it comes to preserving the quality of their water, air, public parks, and special natural spaces. But there is a solution, argues veteran environmentalist Maya K. van Rossum: bypass the laws and turn to the ultimate authority--our state and federal constitutions. In 2013, van Rossum and her team won a watershed legal victory that not only protected Pennsylvania communities from ruthless frackers but affirmed the constitutional right of people in the state to a clean and healthy environment. Following this victory, van Rossum inaugurated the Green Amendment movement, dedicated to empowering every American community to mobilize for constitutional change. Now, with The Green Amendment, van Rossum lays out an inspiring new agenda for environmental advocacy, one that will finally empower people, level the playing field, and provide real hope for communities everywhere. Readers will discover how legislative environmentalism has failed communities across America, the transformational difference environmental constitutionalism can make, the economic imperative of environmental constitutionalism, and how to take action in their communities. We all have the right to pure water, clean air, and a healthy environment. It's time to claim that right--for our own sake and that of future generations.

Too Young to Run?
Too Young to Run?

Author: John Evan Seery

Publisher: Penn State Press

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 0271048530

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"Examines the history, theory, and politics behind the age qualifications for elected federal office in the United States Constitution. Argues that the right to run for office ought to be extended to all adult-age citizens who are otherwise office-eligible"--Provided by publisher.

Paul Powell of Illinois
Paul Powell of Illinois

Author: Robert E. Hartley

Publisher: SIU Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 9780809322718

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Paul Powell emerged from the hill country of southern Illinois to serve in state government from 1935 until his death in 1970. His political tenure included three terms as Speaker of the Illinois House, four terms as minority leader, and two terms as secretary of state. The sponsor of hundreds of bills, he worked tirelessly for his constituents in southern Illinois. He also worked tirelessly to promote his own interests. In this first political biography of Powell, Robert E. Hartley follows the money. He tells how this man of humble origins and meager means amassed a world-class political and financial base. Part of that story is the disclosure of a personal fortune that boggled minds, including the unbelievable yarn of the $800,000 cash found in the hotel room following Powell's death. Powell never earned a state salary of more than $30,000 per year, yet in the last year of his life, his federal income tax return showed an income of more than $200,000. At his death his estate totaled $3.2 million, and, when settled in 1978, was worth $4.6 million, including nearly $1 million in racetrack stock. Following Powell's story, Hartley takes us deep into the Illinois political world of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, a time when politicians were on an "honor system" regarding their financial holdings. This was before disclosure of political contributions, before computer records, and before public meetings laws.

The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2018-08-20

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 1528785878

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Classic Books Library presents this brand new edition of “The Federalist Papers”, a collection of separate essays and articles compiled in 1788 by Alexander Hamilton. Following the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, the governing doctrines and policies of the States lacked cohesion. “The Federalist”, as it was previously known, was constructed by American statesman Alexander Hamilton, and was intended to catalyse the ratification of the United States Constitution. Hamilton recruited fellow statesmen James Madison Jr., and John Jay to write papers for the compendium, and the three are known as some of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Alexander Hamilton (c. 1755–1804) was an American lawyer, journalist and highly influential government official. He also served as a Senior Officer in the Army between 1799-1800 and founded the Federalist Party, the system that governed the nation’s finances. His contributions to the Constitution and leadership made a significant and lasting impact on the early development of the nation of the United States.

Electoral College Reform
Electoral College Reform

Author: Thomas H. Neale

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2010-11

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13: 1437925693

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Contents: (1) Intro.; (2) Competing Approaches: Direct Popular Election v. Electoral College Reform; (3) Direct Popular Election: Pro and Con; (4) Electoral College Reform: Pro and Con; (5) Electoral College Amendments Proposed in the 111th Congress; (6) Contemporary Activity in the States; (7) 2004: Colorado Amendment 36; (8) 2007-2008: The Presidential Reform Act (California Counts); (9) 2006-Present: National Popular Vote -- Direct Popular Election Through an Interstate Compact; Origins; The Plan; National Popular Vote, Inc.; Action in the State Legislatures; States That Have Approved NPV; National Popular Vote; (10) Prospects for Change -- An Analysis; (11) State Action -- A Viable Reform Alternative?; (12) Concluding Observations.

A More Perfect Constitution
A More Perfect Constitution

Author: Larry J. Sabato

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2010-07-23

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 0802777562

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"The reader can't help but hold out hope that maybe someday, some of these sweeping changes could actually bring the nation's government out of its intellectual quagmire...his lively, conversational tone and compelling examples make the reader a more than willing student for this updated civics lesson." --The Hill The political book of the year, from the acclaimed founder and director of the Center for politics at the University of Virginia. A More Perfect Constitution presents creative and dynamic proposals from one of the most visionary and fertile political minds of our time to reinvigorate our Constitution and American governance at a time when such change is urgently needed, given the growing dysfunction and unfairness of our political system . Combining idealism and pragmatism, and with full respect for the original document, Larry Sabato's thought-provoking ideas range from the length of the president's term in office and the number and terms of Supreme Court justices to the vagaries of the antiquated Electoral College, and a compelling call for universal national service-all laced through with the history behind each proposal and the potential impact on the lives of ordinary people. Aware that such changes won't happen easily, but that the original Framers fully expected the Constitution to be regularly revised, Sabato urges us to engage in the debate and discussion his ideas will surely engender. During an election year, no book is more relevant or significant than this.