Officers

Besides the Governor, other executive officers include the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, and the Lieutenant Governor.

The Illinois Constitution provides that all executive officers have the same qualifications and term as the Governor.

Lieutenant Governor

The Lt. Governor shall perform the duties and exercise the powers in the executive branch that may be delegated to him by the Governor and that may be prescribed by law. The Lt. Governor may become the Governor if for some reason the present Governor can no longer fulfill his duties.

Attorney General

The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state. This office gives legal advice to the Governor and executive branch.

Secretary of State

The Secretary of State's office deals more directly with the people of Illinois than any other executive office. This office maintains drivers' records, issues driver licenses and plates, and maintains vehicle records. This office is also the keeper of the Great Seal of Illinois. It is in charge of the maintenance of the Capitol building. The Secretary of State's office is in charge of the state library system and is the State Archivist.

Comptroller

The Comptroller is the state's chief fiscal (money) control officer. The Comptroller checks to make sure all bills submitted to the state are valid and should be paid. Sometimes the Comptroller's office is called the "Watchdog of the State's Money".

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping and investment of the monies and securities deposited for the state.

Consumer Fraud

The Attorney General's office has been given a new task with the 1970 Constitution. This office protects consumers from fraud and rip-offs.

Terms of Office

All officers in the executive branch are elected and serve 4-year terms.

Executive Department Organizations

Various departments of the Executive Branch are organized to carry out specific tasks. These are called Civil Administrative Code Departments. The most important of these are: Aeronautics, Agriculture, Conservation, Finance, Labor, Mines Safety, Public Aid, Public Works and Buildings, Registration and Education, Revenue, Personnel, Children and Family Services, Insurance, Mental Health, and Financial Institutions. The Governor selects and appoints the heads of these departments.

Besides the Code Departments, there are also a great number of independent boards and commissions under authority of the Governor. Some of these boards and commissions are permanent while others exist only for a short time. Examples include: Racing Board, Fair Employment Practices Commission, Human Relations Commission, and the Toll Highway Commission. The Governor also appoints these commissions.

The Governor and Executive Officers

Governor: Rod Blagojevich
Lieutenant Governor: Pat Quinn
Attorney General: Lisa Madigan
Secretary of State: Jesse White
Comptroller: Daniel Hynes
Treasurer: Judy Topinka

Here are some links with information on the various officers of Illinois.