Fdr’s court packing plan worksheet – Delve into the intricacies of FDR’s Court Packing Plan with our comprehensive worksheet. This meticulously crafted resource unravels the historical context, constitutional arguments, political impact, and enduring legacy of this pivotal event.

Prepare to embark on a journey through the annals of American history, where the balance of power between the branches of government hung precariously in the balance.

Overview of FDR’s Court Packing Plan

In the wake of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to expand the power of the federal government to address the nation’s economic crisis. One of his most controversial proposals was the Court Packing Plan, which aimed to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

The plan was motivated by the Supreme Court’s invalidation of several New Deal programs, including the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Roosevelt believed that the Court was obstructing his efforts to combat the Depression and that it needed to be reformed.

Key Provisions and Objectives

The Court Packing Plan proposed to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court from nine to fifteen. Roosevelt argued that this would allow the Court to handle its workload more efficiently and would also make it more representative of the American people.

The plan also included a provision that would allow the President to appoint additional justices to the Court if any of the existing justices reached the age of 70 and declined to retire. This provision was intended to give Roosevelt the power to reshape the Court in his favor.

Constitutional Arguments: Fdr’s Court Packing Plan Worksheet

The constitutionality of FDR’s court packing plan was a subject of intense debate. Supporters of the plan argued that it was necessary to restore the balance of power between the three branches of government, while opponents contended that it was an unconstitutional attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Arguments for the Plan

• Necessary to Restore Balance of Power:Supporters argued that the Supreme Court had become too powerful and that its decisions were out of step with the will of the people. They believed that the plan would restore the balance of power between the three branches of government by giving the President more influence over the judiciary.

• Needed to Overcome Judicial Obstructionism:The plan’s proponents also argued that the Court had been obstructing the New Deal legislation, which they believed was necessary to address the economic crisis. They contended that the plan would allow the President to appoint justices who were more sympathetic to the New Deal.

Arguments Against the Plan

• Unconstitutional:Opponents of the plan argued that it was unconstitutional because it violated the principle of separation of powers. They contended that the President should not have the power to appoint additional justices to the Supreme Court.
• Undermined Judicial Independence:Critics also argued that the plan would undermine the independence of the judiciary. They believed that if the President could appoint justices who were sympathetic to his policies, the Court would become a political body rather than an impartial arbiter of the law.

Supreme Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled against the court packing plan in the case of United States v. Butler(1936). The Court held that the plan was unconstitutional because it violated the principle of separation of powers. The Court also ruled that the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which the plan was intended to protect, was unconstitutional.

Political Impact

The court packing plan had significant political consequences. It further escalated tensions between FDR and the Supreme Court, as well as between FDR and Congress.

Impact on the Balance of Power, Fdr’s court packing plan worksheet

The plan aimed to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court, giving FDR more influence over the court’s decisions. This would have shifted the balance of power between the branches of government, giving the executive branch more power over the judicial branch.

Public Reaction

The plan was met with widespread opposition from the public, the media, and even members of FDR’s own party. Many people saw it as an attempt by FDR to undermine the independence of the judiciary. The plan ultimately failed due to a lack of support in Congress.

Historical Significance

FDR’s court packing plan had a profound impact on the Supreme Court and American politics. It revealed the deep divisions within the Court and the country, and it led to a major shift in the Court’s balance of power.

The plan also had a lasting impact on the relationship between the President and the Supreme Court. It showed that the President could not simply ignore the Court’s rulings, and it gave the Court more power to check the President’s authority.

Lessons Learned

• The court packing plan taught us that the Supreme Court is a powerful institution that can have a major impact on American politics.
• It also showed us that the President cannot simply ignore the Court’s rulings, and that the Court has the power to check the President’s authority.
• Finally, the court packing plan taught us that it is important to respect the independence of the judiciary.

Comparison to Other Attempts to Alter the Balance of the Supreme Court

FDR’s court packing plan was not the first or last attempt to alter the balance of the Supreme Court. Other Presidents have tried to pack the Court, and Congress has passed laws to change the number of justices on the Court.

However, FDR’s court packing plan was the most ambitious and controversial attempt to change the Court’s balance. It was also the only attempt that was ultimately unsuccessful.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s court packing plan(1937) was the most ambitious attempt to alter the balance of the Supreme Court. Roosevelt proposed adding up to six new justices to the Court, which would have given him a majority of appointees. The plan was ultimately defeated in Congress, but it had a lasting impact on the Court’s relationship with the President.

• The Judiciary Act of 1869reduced the number of justices on the Supreme Court from 10 to 7. The Act was passed by a Republican-controlled Congress in response to President Andrew Johnson’s appointment of two Democratic justices to the Court. The Act was repealed in 1870, and the Court has had 9 justices ever since.

• The Judiciary Act of 1925increased the number of justices on the Supreme Court from 9 to 10. The Act was passed by a Republican-controlled Congress in response to President Calvin Coolidge’s appointment of two Democratic justices to the Court. The Act was repealed in 1937, and the Court has had 9 justices ever since.

Query Resolution

What were the primary motivations behind FDR’s Court Packing Plan?

FDR sought to expand the Supreme Court to overcome resistance to his New Deal policies.

How did the Supreme Court respond to the Court Packing Plan?

The Court upheld the constitutionality of FDR’s New Deal legislation, rendering the plan unnecessary.