The state of Illinois is abbreviated as IL. According to countryaah, the capital of Illinois is Springfield, and the other major cities are Chicago, Aurora, Rockford and Joliet. Chicago is the largest city in the state with a population of 2,716,450. It is known for its vibrant downtown scene and cultural attractions such as museums and theaters. Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456 and it’s known for its close proximity to nearby attractions such as Six Flags Great America amusement park and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Rockford is the third largest city in Illinois with a population of 152,871 and it’s known for its proximity to nearby universities such as Northern Illinois University and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Politics in Illinois
Illinois is a state that has experienced a long history of political divisions. In recent decades, the state has been divided between two major parties: the Democratic and Republican parties. The Democrats have traditionally held power in the state legislature and governor’s office, while Republicans have held a majority in the state’s congressional delegation. In general, Illinois is considered to be a blue state, with Democrats strongly dominating statewide elections and holding majorities in both chambers of the legislature.
The current governor of Illinois is JB Pritzker, who was elected in 2018 as a Democrat. He became only the second Democrat to hold this office since 2003, when Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office. Pritzker has focused on progressive policies such as raising taxes on millionaires and increasing spending on public schools throughout his tenure as governor. He also led efforts to legalize recreational marijuana use and increase minimum wage across the state.
At the federal level, Illinois is represented by two US Senators: Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D). Both senators are considered to be among the most progressive members of Congress; they support issues such as gun control, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, higher minimum wages and access to healthcare for all Americans. Additionally, Durbin serves as Senate Majority Whip and Duckworth sits on several important committees including Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees.
In addition to its two senators in Congress, Illinois also has 18 representatives in the US House of Representatives: 17 Democrats and 1 Republican. This reflects both national trends (Democrats tend to do better in congressional races) as well as regional trends (Democrats tend to dominate elections throughout Chicago). All three members of Illinois’s congressional delegation are members of The Congressional Progressive Caucus—a group that seeks to promote progressive ideals within Congress—and they are all strong advocates for issues such as healthcare reform, gun control legislation, immigration reform and environmental protection laws.
Elections in Illinois
Illinois is a state with a long history of Democratic control. Traditionally, Democrats have held power in the state legislature and governor’s office, while Republicans have held a majority in the state’s congressional delegation. In general, Illinois is considered to be a blue state, with Democrats strongly dominating statewide elections and holding majorities in both chambers of the legislature.
The current governor of Illinois is JB Pritzker, who was elected in 2018 as a Democrat. He became only the second Democrat to hold this office since 2003, when Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office. Pritzker has focused on progressive policies such as raising taxes on millionaires and increasing spending on public schools throughout his tenure as governor. He also led efforts to legalize recreational marijuana use and increase minimum wage across the state.
At the federal level, Illinois is represented by two US Senators: Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D). Both senators are considered to be among the most progressive members of Congress; they support issues such as gun control, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, higher minimum wages and access to healthcare for all Americans. Additionally, Durbin serves as Senate Majority Whip and Duckworth sits on several important committees including Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees. In addition to its two senators in Congress, Illinois also has 18 representatives in the US House of Representatives: 17 Democrats and 1 Republican. This reflects both national trends (Democrats tend to do better in congressional races) as well as regional trends (Democrats tend to dominate elections throughout Chicago). All three members of Illinois’s congressional delegation are members of The Congressional Progressive Caucus—a group that seeks to promote progressive ideals within Congress—and they are all strong advocates for issues such as healthcare reform, gun control legislation, immigration reform and environmental protection laws.
Elections in Illinois are generally dominated by Democrats due to their strong presence throughout Chicago and its surrounding areas which make up much of the state’s population base. This is reflected at both the statewide level where Democrats tend to win most major offices including governor and attorney general; but it is especially evident at the federal level where Democrats hold 17 out 18 House seats despite Republicans having a slight edge in registered voters statewide (37% vs 34%). Despite this advantage however, recent elections have seen Democratic candidates continue their winning streak with Senator Dick Durbin winning reelection by wide margins every time he has been up for reelection since 1996; while Governor Pritzker won his 2018 election with over 55% of votes cast despite being heavily outspent by Republican challenger Bruce Rauner who had previously won his 2014 election against Pat Quinn 51%–45%.
Major Counties in Illinois
According to topbbacolleges, Illinois is made up of 102 counties, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. The state’s largest county, Cook County, is home to the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. With over 5 million residents, it is the most populous county in Illinois and the second most populous in the United States. Cook County is known for its vibrant art scene, diverse culture, and bustling metropolis. It is also home to some of the state’s most important institutions such as Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The second largest county in Illinois is DuPage County. Located west of Chicago, DuPage County features a variety of attractions including several historic sites like Mayslake Peabody Estate and Cantigny Park; as well as a number of museums such as the DuPage Children’s Museum and Naper Settlement. The county also has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities including forest preserves with miles of trails for hiking or biking.
Will County sits south of Cook County along I-55/I-80 corridor and serves as a major transportation hub for both freight and passenger traffic. Will County features many historical sites such as Lockport’s Historic District; theme parks like Six Flags Great America; outdoor recreation areas like Channahon State Park; plus many shopping centers and malls such as Louis Joliet Mall or Orland Square Mall.
Kane County lies west of DuPage County with Aurora being its largest city. Kane boasts numerous attractions such as Blackberry Farm Adventure Park; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; plus numerous museums such as Elgin History Museum or Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Kane with forest preserves like Big Rock Forest Preserve or Bliss Woods Nature Preserve offering miles upon miles of hiking trails or bike paths to explore.
Lake County lies just north of Cook on Lake Michigan’s shores and offers plenty to see and do throughout its townships including visiting historical sites like Fort Sheridan Historic District; exploring nature preserves like Moraine Hills State Park; or enjoying events at Ravinia Festival Grounds which hosts concerts by some top performers each year from late spring to early fall season.
McHenry County sits northwest from Lake near Wisconsin border boasting attractions that range from historic sites such as Woodstock Opera House or McHenry Downtown Historic District to recreational activities at Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve where one can enjoy fishing or bird watching all year round even during winter months when snowshoeing becomes available too. McHenry also has numerous shopping centers throughout its townships offering locals plenty of options when it comes time for retail therapy.
Major Cities in Illinois
According to acronymmonster, Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third most populous city in the United States. Located on Lake Michigan’s southwest shore, Chicago is one of the world’s top global cities and a major transportation hub. It is home to world-class shopping, dining, culture, entertainment, and attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and more. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene with an array of bars and clubs that host live music events every night.
Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois located just west of Chicago. Aurora has been named one of America’s best places to live with its high median income and low crime rate. It offers numerous attractions such as Blackberry Farm Adventure Park; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; plus numerous museums such as Elgin History Museum or Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Aurora with forest preserves like Big Rock Forest Preserve or Bliss Woods Nature Preserve offering miles upon miles of hiking trails or bike paths to explore.
Naperville is a suburb located just west of Chicago that boasts numerous attractions including Naper Settlement; Riverwalk; Millennium Carillon; DuPage Children’s Museum; plus many shopping centers and malls such as Louis Joliet Mall or Orland Square Mall. Naperville also features an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities including forest preserves with miles of trails for hiking or biking.
Joliet is a city located 40 miles southwest from Chicago along I-55/I-80 corridor which serves as a major transportation hub for both freight and passenger traffic. The city has many historical sites such as Joliet Area Historical Museum; theme parks like Six Flags Great America; outdoor recreation areas like Channahon State Park; plus many shopping centers and malls such as Louis Joliet Mall or Orland Square Mall.
Rockford is an industrial city located northwest from Chicago along I-90 corridor boasting attractions that range from historic sites such as Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens or Anderson Japanese Gardens to recreational activities at Rock Cut State Park where one can enjoy fishing or bird watching all year round even during winter months when snowshoeing becomes available too. Rockford also has numerous shopping centers throughout its townships offering locals plenty of options when it comes time for retail therapy.