Summary
The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments in a case that could have far-reaching effects and dramatically reshape the country’s elections. It involves whether state lawmakers have absolute authority to shape election districts and hinges on interpretations of wording in the Constitution. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Review and Nate Persily of Stanford University join John Yang to discuss. For a transcript of this story, click here .Five Facts
- Who brought the case to the Supreme Court discussed in this story?
- What is the "independent state legislature theory"?
- Where and When was this case filed?
- Why do those representing the North Carolina legislature believe rules made by state lawmakers about elections can't be reviewed by state courts?
- How would a win for the plaintiffs (those who brought the case) impact elections across the U.S.?
Focus Questions
What do you think would be the most important impacts on elections if the Supreme Court agrees that state election laws can't be challenged in state courts (and rarely in federal courts)? Media literacy : Where might you learn more to better understand how this ruling would impact elections?For More
What students can do: If interested, you can listen to some of the oral arguments before the Supreme Court below. Discuss: how do the Supreme Court justices challenge or encourage the positions of the plaintiff's lawyer (those who brought the case to court)?Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
