The New Deal Under Attack

1. The New Deal Under Attack Why did both Democrats and Republicans attack FDR and his New Deal? What solution did FDR propose to prevent these attacks?

2. Under Attack • Both liberals (democrats) and conservatives (republicans) had negative things to say about New Deal legislation. • Liberals felt that the New Deal did not do enough to help the needy. • Conservatives felt the legislation helped too much and that FDR was gaining too much power as the executive. People feared FDR was becoming a dictator.

4. The Supreme Court • By 1935-6, during FDR’s second term as president, the Supreme Court declared two pieces of New Deal legislation unconstitutional. • National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)-gave legislative powers to the president. • Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)-agriculture was supposed to be regulated by the states, not the federal government. • Thus, FDR felt the Supreme Court was trying to limit his power.

6. FDR’s Response • FDR proposed a bill to Congress in 1937 for a court reform bill. • This bill would reorganize the judiciary, and allow FDR to appoint 6 new justices. • Roosevelt argued the bill would make the judiciary more effective, but really he just wanted a more sympathetic Supreme Court.

7. Court Packing Bill • This bill quickly became known as the “Court packing bill” • Congress NEVER PASSED this legislation-WHY? • However, FDR was able to appoint 7 new justices over his four terms due to resignationsor retirements • This will change the scope of the Supreme Court in the decades to come

10. Focusing Questions • How will FDR’s proposal of the court packing bill lead to further attacks? • Do you think FDR asserted too much power as a president? • Review political cartoons from last week