The Illinois Oath of Office and Bond is a form of legal document that is used to ensure that public officials uphold their duties and responsibilities while in office. It is an affirmation of the official's commitment to the state of Illinois and its people. The Illinois Oath of Office and Bond is required by the state of Illinois for all elected public officials, including the governor, lieutenant governor, Secretary of State, attorney general, treasurer, auditor, and members of the General Assembly. The Oath of Office requires the official to pledge to faithfully perform the duties of the position they are entering, and to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. The Bond requires the official to pay a sum of money if they fail to adhere to the terms of the Oath. There are two types of Illinois Oath of Office and Bond: a surety bond and a cash bond. A surety bond is a three-party agreement between the official, the state, and a third-party surety company. The surety company guarantees that the official will pay the state a set sum of money if they fail to fulfill the terms of the Oath. A cash bond is a direct agreement between the official and the state, in which the official pays the state a sum of money up-front, and the state holds the money in escrow until the official's term of office is completed. If the official fails to fulfill the terms of the Oath, the state keeps the money in the bond.