Illinois State Capitol facts for kids
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The Illinois State Capitol is a very important building located in Springfield, Illinois. It's like the main office for the government of the state of Illinois. Inside, you'll find the people who make the laws (the legislative branch) and the people who carry out those laws, like the Governor (the executive branch).
This building is actually the sixth capitol building Illinois has had since it became a state in 1818. It was built with beautiful designs inspired by French Renaissance and Italianate styles. The whole building cost about $4,500,000 to construct. Its tall central dome and tower roofs are covered in a special metal called zinc. This zinc gives the building a shiny, silvery look that stays bright and doesn't get dull over time.
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What Happens Inside the Capitol?
The Illinois State Capitol is where important decisions for the state are made. It's home to the two main parts of the state government.
Making Laws: The Legislative Branch
The Illinois General Assembly is the group that makes laws for Illinois. This group is made up of two parts: the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate. When you visit the Capitol, you can see where these lawmakers meet to discuss and vote on new laws. These laws affect everyone living in Illinois, from schools to roads.
Carrying Out Laws: The Executive Branch
The executive branch is led by the Governor of Illinois. The Governor's job is to make sure the laws passed by the General Assembly are put into action. The Governor also works with different state agencies to manage services for the people of Illinois. You can find the Governor's office and other executive offices inside the Capitol building.
A Look at the Capitol's History
The current Illinois State Capitol building is not the first one. It is actually the sixth building to serve as the state's capitol since Illinois became a state in 1818. Each capitol building has played a part in the state's history. The current building was finished in 1888, after many years of construction.
Amazing Architecture and Design
The Illinois State Capitol is known for its beautiful design. It mixes two classic styles: French Renaissance and Italianate. These styles often feature grand domes, tall windows, and detailed decorations.
The Shiny Zinc Dome
One of the most noticeable parts of the Capitol is its tall central dome. This dome, along with the roofs of its towers, is covered in zinc. Zinc is a metal that looks silvery and bright. It's a great material because it doesn't rust or change color much over time. This helps the Capitol keep its impressive look for many years.
Images for kids
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Detail of the dome interior
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Looking west on East Capitol Avenue
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One of the pair of female statues added to the west wing staircase in the State Capitol as part of the $50 million renovation from 2011–13.
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Lincoln by Andrew O'Connor (1918) at East Front of Capitol
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The sixth and current Illinois Capitol looking northwest
See also
In Spanish: Capitolio del Estado de Illinois para niños
