blog posts Supreme Court appears divided on the independent state legislature theory Dec 12, 2022 10:45 am by Christian Science MonitorIllinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Christian Science Monitor (Dec. 8) The original meaning of 'legislature' in the elections clause 'was clear,' writes U of I Law Dean Vikram Amar. State legislatures are 'constrained by the state constitution,' and not 'independent' in any context. Share on Facebook Tweet Email