Who may initiate impeachments in Illinois?

In Illinois, the authority to initiate impeachments is granted to the House of Representatives. This process is clearly outlined in the Illinois Constitution, which assigns the responsibility of bringing impeachment charges against state officials, including the Governor, to the House. The rationale behind this structure is to ensure that the legislative branch has the primary role in holding other government officials accountable for misconduct while retaining a system of checks and balances.

Once the House votes on articles of impeachment and passes them, the matter then moves to the Senate, which conducts the trial. This division of responsibilities reflects the serious nature of impeachment, as it requires both deliberation and a high level of scrutiny from elected representatives. Other entities, such as the Governor or the Illinois Supreme Court, do not have the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings; their roles are defined within different contexts of government operations and responsibilities. Understanding this process is crucial for comprehending the workings of the Illinois government and the accountability measures in place for its officials.