1. Illinois Legislative Branch

2. Legislative Bodies (General Assembly) Makes Laws
The General Assembly is bicameral, meaning having two houses
The two houses are the Senate and the House of Representatives
They are all elected by the people of Illinois
They must be 21 years or older, a resident of the district for 2 years, and a U.S. citizen
Salary: $67, annually plus $132 per diem
(Salary Schedule)
In order to conduct business, the General Assembly needs a quorum – a majority of members

3. 59 State Senators from the 59 Senatorial Districts
118 State Representatives
from the 118
Representative Districts
There are 177 total members
of the General Assembly
Each district in Illinois has
one Senator and
two Representatives
General Assembly Website :
Page 50 in Illinois Handbook

4. Our District 56th Legislative District
State Senator – William Haine (Democrat)
Page 49

5. Our Representative Districts
Page 49
Representative
Daniel Beiser
111th Representative District
Representative
Katie Stuart
112th Representative District

6. Senate 59 Senatorial Districts Four Year Term
Elections are held in even numbered years
Presiding Officer is the President of the Senate
John J. Cullerton
Elected by all of the Senators
6th District
Served 1991-Present
Special Duties of the Senate: Tries impeachment
proceedings (jury) and approves appointment made by
the Governor
Page 24 – 6th District

7. House of Representatives
118 Representative Districts
2 Year Term
Elections are held in even numbered years
Presiding Office is the Speaker of the House
Michael Madigan
Additional stipend of $27,476
11th District
Served 1971-Present
One special duty of the House of
Representatives is they start
Impeachment proceedings.
Page 17 – Biography
Page 32 – 22nd District

8. Questions What is the main duty of the Legislative Branch?
What does bicameral mean?
What are the two houses of the General Assembly?
How many representatives are there in the General Assembly (total)?
In order to conduct business, how many members must be present in Springfield?