Californians may not realize it, but one of their best political ideas is under attack.

In 2008, voters approved an initiative that created an independent redistricting commission; then in 2010, they expanded its reach to include the state’s congressional districts. The commission, which designed its first maps in 2011, has quickly become a model for the country. Structurally, it shields its members from political pressure. Aesthetically, its districts are compact and respect community boundaries. And electorally, they are competitive and politically balanced compared to the ones they replaced.

The reason this reform is in jeopardy? Arizona State Legislature vs. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission — set to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 2. Since 2000, Arizona has had a very similar commission to California’s. Unhappy with how it drew the state’s nine congressional districts in 2012, Arizona Republicans filed a federal suit. They cited the Elections Clause in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which states that “the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof.” The commission, obviously enough, is not “the legislature.” So, the plaintiffs say, it is unconstitutional for it to play a role in regulating the “manner” of elections for Congress.

Read more at The Los Angeles Times