Franklin D. Roosevelt’s attempt to change the composition of the American Supreme Court can be seen from different perspectives. Some historians depict the Supreme Court debacle as the beginning of the end of the New Deal, whereas “in later years, Roosevelt [himself], asserted that the court-packing fiasco was one in which he lost the battle but won the war […]” (Coker, p. 114). In this essay, I will describe the situation which led to his proposal of reorganization, his further proceedings and the reactions to them. I will also analyze the results and the effects which it had on the New Deal during his continuing presidency.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The composition of the Supreme Court
- Invalidations of New Deal laws - The Black Monday
- Reorganization of the Judiciary
- Reactions
- Reaction of the Supreme Court
- Outcome of the proposal
- Effects on the New Deal and Roosevelt
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to analyze Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to alter the composition of the Supreme Court, focusing on the circumstances leading to his proposal, the subsequent reactions, and the impact on the New Deal during his presidency.
- The composition and political leanings of the Supreme Court in the 1930s.
- The Supreme Court's invalidation of various New Deal laws, particularly those related to economic matters.
- Roosevelt's proposal to reorganize the judiciary, the "Judicial Procedures Reform Act," and the public reaction to it.
- The impact of the court-packing plan on the New Deal and Roosevelt's presidency.
- The significance of the Supreme Court's role in shaping national policy.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides an overview of the controversy surrounding Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court, highlighting differing perspectives on its impact on the New Deal.
Chapter 2 examines the composition of the Supreme Court in 1932, outlining the ideological divisions between conservative and liberal justices. The chapter also discusses the influence of Justices Hughes and Roberts, whose votes could sway the outcome of crucial cases.
Chapter 3 details the Supreme Court's invalidation of several key New Deal programs, including the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). The chapter explores the "Black Monday" of May 27, 1935, when the Court declared several New Deal measures unconstitutional, and the implications of these decisions for Roosevelt's economic policies.
Chapter 4 delves into Roosevelt's proposal to reorganize the judiciary, the "Judicial Procedures Reform Act," which aimed to appoint new justices and potentially shift the Court's ideological balance.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores the dynamics between the Supreme Court and the New Deal, focusing on key themes such as the composition and political leanings of the Court, the invalidation of New Deal laws, the "court-packing" plan, and the impact of judicial decisions on national policy. The essay also examines the political and ideological battles surrounding Roosevelt's presidency and the evolving role of the Supreme Court in American governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Roosevelt's "court-packing" plan?
Formally known as the Judicial Procedures Reform Act, it was a proposal to appoint additional Supreme Court justices to shift the court's ideological balance in favor of his New Deal policies.
Why did FDR want to change the Supreme Court's composition?
The conservative Supreme Court had invalidated several key New Deal laws, such as the NIRA and AAA, labeling them unconstitutional and threatening Roosevelt's economic recovery program.
What happened on "Black Monday" in 1935?
On May 27, 1935, the Supreme Court declared several major New Deal measures unconstitutional, which significantly hindered Roosevelt's legislative agenda.
Did Roosevelt win or lose the "battle" for the court?
While the legislative proposal failed (he "lost the battle"), Roosevelt claimed he "won the war" because the Court subsequently became more receptive to New Deal legislation.
How did the public react to the reorganization plan?
The plan faced significant backlash and was viewed by many as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary, leading to a "fiasco" in terms of public relations.
- Quote paper
- Birgit Wilpers (Author), 2009, Roosevelt’s attempt to alter the composition of the Supreme Court:, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/154829
