Court Packing Plan

Definition

The Court Packing Plan was a legislative initiative proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court from nine to fifteen. This plan aimed to secure favorable rulings for New Deal legislation that had faced opposition from a conservative majority on the Court, reflecting the tension between the executive branch and the judiciary during a time of economic crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt's proposal was sparked by frustration with the Supreme Court's decision to strike down key New Deal programs, including the National Industrial Recovery Act.
2. The plan was met with significant backlash from both political opponents and some members of Roosevelt's own party, leading to concerns about undermining judicial independence.
3. Ultimately, the Court Packing Plan failed to pass in Congress, which was a pivotal moment in Roosevelt's presidency that demonstrated the limits of executive power.
4. In response to mounting pressure, the Supreme Court began to shift its stance on New Deal legislation, a change often referred to as 'the switch in time that saved nine.'
5. The Court Packing controversy influenced future debates about judicial appointments and reforms, highlighting ongoing tensions between the branches of government.

Review Questions

• How did the Court Packing Plan reflect Roosevelt's frustrations with the Supreme Court during the New Deal era?
  • The Court Packing Plan was directly influenced by Roosevelt's frustration with the Supreme Court's resistance to his New Deal policies. After several crucial pieces of legislation were struck down by a conservative majority on the Court, Roosevelt sought to expand its size to ensure that more justices would support his initiatives. This move highlighted a significant clash between Roosevelt's vision for economic recovery and the judicial interpretation of constitutional limits.
• What were the main arguments for and against Roosevelt's Court Packing Plan, and how did they shape public perception?
  • Supporters of the Court Packing Plan argued that expanding the Supreme Court was necessary to adapt to modern needs and ensure justice for struggling Americans during the Great Depression. Opponents contended that it threatened judicial independence and set a dangerous precedent for presidential overreach. This fierce debate ultimately shaped public perception by raising awareness about the balance of power among government branches and led to increased skepticism regarding Roosevelt's motives.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Court Packing Plan failure on Roosevelt's presidency and its impact on future judicial relations in the United States.
  • The failure of the Court Packing Plan had significant long-term implications for Roosevelt's presidency and American governance. It demonstrated that attempts to manipulate judicial power could backfire, leading to stronger support for judicial independence. This event laid groundwork for future discussions about checks and balances within government, influencing how presidents approached judicial appointments and reforms while reinforcing the need for an independent judiciary capable of operating outside political pressures.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and reforms initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Supreme Court:

The highest federal court in the United States, consisting of nine justices who interpret the Constitution and adjudicate important legal cases.

Judicial Review:

The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions, established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison.