founding almost 250 years ago. that case was just decided by the high court on its face it was about a legislative map drawn by north carolina republicans, but it also had the potential to change who runs elections, who sets election laws, and even upset fundamental checks and balances in the u.s. government. how did it have so much power? some in former president donald trump s orbit, like john eastman, were pushing for something called the independent state legislature doctrine that goes like this, under the elections clause of the u.s. constitution, quote, the times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof. proponents say state houses should be able to then set the rules in federal elections with no check, no balance, no check from state constitutions no check interest state courts, no check from state commissions, no balances. it wasn t just the maps at stake. this had the potential to st