Illinois House of Representatives
The Illinois House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Illinois General Assembly, the legislative branch of the government of the state of Illinois in the United States. The body was created by the first state constitution adopted in 1818. The Illinois House of Representatives is made of 118 representatives elected from individual legislative districts to two-year terms. In contrast, the Illinois Senate is made of 59 senators.
The Illinois House of Representatives convenes at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Its first official working day is the second Wednesday of January each year. Its primary duties are to pass bills into law, approve the state budget, act on federal constitutional amendments and propose constitutional amendments for Illinois. It also has the power to override gubernatorial vetoes through a three-fifths majority vote. The Illinois House of Representatives also holds the power to impeach Executive and Judicial officials.
The current Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives is Michael Madigan of Chicago, who represents the 22nd District. The Democratic Party of Illinois currently holds a majority in the Illinois House of Representatives. Under Illinois' constitution, the office of Minority Leader is recognized for the purpose of making certain appointments. Tom Cross of Plainfield, a [Republican] representing the 84th District, currently holds the post.