What is the primary responsibility of the Illinois Attorney General?

The primary responsibility of the Illinois Attorney General is to serve as the chief legal officer of the state. This role entails representing the state in legal matters, providing legal advice to state agencies, and protecting the rights of Illinois residents. The Attorney General's office handles a wide range of legal issues including consumer protection, public interest litigation, and enforcement of state laws. This central function ensures that the state's legal framework operates effectively and that justice is upheld for all citizens.

The other choices, while they relate to important state functions, do not align with the core duties of the Attorney General. For example, overseeing state records and managing state finances fall under different state official roles, such as the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer, respectively. Similarly, managing state investments is typically the responsibility of the State Treasurer's office rather than that of the Attorney General. Hence, the emphasis on the Attorney General's role as the chief legal officer highlights the legal and protective service provided to the citizens of Illinois.