Court-packing plan

Definition

The court-packing plan was a controversial proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 aimed at increasing the number of justices on the Supreme Court from nine to as many as fifteen. Roosevelt's intent was to ensure that the Court would support his New Deal legislation, which faced challenges from conservative justices who deemed several of his programs unconstitutional. This plan stirred significant debate and backlash, leading to discussions about the balance of power among the branches of government and the limits of executive authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The court-packing plan proposed adding up to six additional justices to the Supreme Court, which would give Roosevelt more control over the judiciary.
2. Roosevelt argued that the Court was out of touch with modern social and economic realities, claiming it was obstructing progress by striking down key New Deal initiatives.
3. The proposal faced fierce opposition from both political opponents and members of his own party, who viewed it as an attempt to undermine judicial independence.
4. Although the plan ultimately failed, it significantly weakened Roosevelt's political capital and altered his relationship with Congress.
5. The backlash against the court-packing plan led to a shift in public opinion, ultimately resulting in some justices becoming more favorable toward New Deal legislation.

Review Questions

• How did the court-packing plan reflect Roosevelt's broader goals for his New Deal agenda?
  • The court-packing plan was a direct response to the resistance Roosevelt faced from a conservative Supreme Court that had struck down several New Deal programs. By attempting to increase the number of justices, Roosevelt aimed to ensure that his reforms could be upheld and implemented effectively. This move highlights his determination to reshape government policies to address the economic crisis while illustrating the tensions between the executive branch and judicial authority during this time.
• Discuss the political repercussions that arose from the failure of Roosevelt's court-packing plan.
  • The failure of the court-packing plan led to significant political repercussions for Roosevelt. It strained relationships with members of Congress and within his own party, as many Democrats viewed the plan as an overreach of presidential power. The controversy caused a decline in Roosevelt's popularity, weakened his position in future legislative battles, and prompted a reevaluation of how the executive branch could interact with the judiciary, ultimately influencing future debates about judicial appointments and reform.
• Evaluate how Roosevelt's court-packing plan has influenced contemporary discussions about judicial reform and executive power.
  • Roosevelt's court-packing plan serves as a historical reference point in ongoing debates about judicial reform and the balance of power between branches of government. It raises questions about the limits of executive authority and reflects fears that attempts to influence or alter judicial structures could undermine democratic principles. Contemporary discussions often revisit this moment in history when considering reforms such as term limits for justices or increasing the size of the Supreme Court, highlighting its relevance in today's political landscape.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to examine and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution.

Fireside Chats: A series of radio broadcasts made by Franklin D. Roosevelt to communicate directly with the American public, explaining his policies and plans.