Illinois
“Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, That if application shall be made to Congress, by any of the States deeming themselves aggrieved, to call a convention, in accordance with the constitutional provision aforesaid, to propose amendments to the constitution of the United States, that the Legislature of the State of Illinois will and does hereby concur in making such application.” – Illinois Resolution (1861)
Representative Application
For each of the 40 States, one representative application has been highlighted. An explanation is provided as to why this application should be aggregated toward the total calling for a convention for proposing amendments. Additional applications from the State, if any, are also included.
Illinois Resolution (1861) is among three states whose applications were motivated by a particular need, but clearly and unambiguously expressed that their intent is to be counted together with calls from other states that address other needs. This application was among several states to apply for a convention in the run up to the civil war. But Illinois specified that it did not desire any change itself, but because other States do see such a need, Illinois “does hereby concur in making such application.” Hence its application was intended to be included with those for issues raised by other states.
Resolution (1861)
JOINT RESOLUTIONS on Federal Relations.
WHEREAS, although the people of the State of Illinois do not desire any charge in our Federal constitution, yet as several of our sister States have indicated that they deem it necessary that some amendment should be made thereto; and whereas, in and by the fifth article of the constitution of the United States, provision is made for proposing amendments to that instrument, either by congress or by a convention; and whereas a desire has been expressed, in various parts of the United States, for a convention to propose amendments to the constitution; therefore,
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, That if application shall be made to Congress, by any of the States deeming themselves aggrieved, to call a convention, in accordance with the constitutional provision aforesaid, to propose amendments to the constitution of the United States, that the Legislature of the State of Illinois will and does hereby concur in making such application.
Resolved,That, until the people of these United States shall otherwise direct, the present Federal Union must be preserved as it is, and the present constitution and laws must be administered as they are; and, to this end, in conformity with that constitution and the laws, the whole resource of the State of Illinois are hereby pledged to the Federal authorities.
Resolved,That copies of the above preamble and resolutions be sent to each of our Representatives and Senators in Congress and to the executives of the several States.