Court packing plan

Definition

The court packing plan refers to a controversial proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to increase the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court from nine to as many as fifteen. The intent behind this plan was to ensure that the Court would uphold New Deal legislation, which faced opposition from several justices who deemed key parts unconstitutional. This idea sparked a significant debate about judicial independence, accountability, and the separation of powers in the American government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The court packing plan was proposed after several Supreme Court justices ruled against key New Deal programs, which created tension between the presidency and the judiciary.
2. FDR's proposal included appointing an additional justice for every sitting justice over the age of 70, effectively allowing him to increase the size of the Supreme Court significantly.
3. The plan faced strong opposition from both political parties, as critics argued it threatened judicial independence and undermined the checks and balances system.
4. Ultimately, FDR's court packing plan failed to gain sufficient support in Congress and was seen as a significant political misstep that damaged his reputation.
5. In response to the backlash from the court packing plan, some justices began to shift their views on New Deal legislation, leading to a more favorable reception of FDR's policies.

Review Questions

• How did the court packing plan reflect tensions between judicial independence and executive power during FDR's presidency?
  • The court packing plan highlighted the struggle between maintaining judicial independence and the executive branch's desire for influence over the judiciary. FDR aimed to reshape the Supreme Court to ensure its alignment with his New Deal initiatives, which had been challenged by certain justices. This effort raised concerns about undermining the principle of judicial independence, as it suggested that political leaders could manipulate the judiciary for their own policy objectives.
• Evaluate how public reaction to the court packing plan affected future interactions between the presidency and the Supreme Court.
  • Public reaction to the court packing plan was largely negative, leading to a decline in FDR's popularity and credibility. The backlash demonstrated that attempts to alter the structure or function of the Supreme Court could provoke strong resistance from both Congress and the public. This episode served as a cautionary tale for future presidents, indicating that any efforts to influence the judiciary must consider public opinion and respect for judicial independence to maintain balance within government.
• Assess the long-term implications of the court packing plan on judicial accountability and its relevance in contemporary discussions about Supreme Court reform.
  • The court packing plan set a precedent for how political pressure can influence judicial structures and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding judicial accountability. The failed attempt prompted discussions about reforming how justices are appointed and limiting their tenure, reflecting contemporary debates on maintaining an independent judiciary while ensuring it remains accountable. This historical episode continues to resonate today as various stakeholders propose changes aimed at addressing perceived partisanship within the Supreme Court.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social welfare.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, allowing them to invalidate legislation or executive actions deemed unconstitutional.

Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.