Opposition to the New Deal and the Supreme Court Flashcards

What is the US Supreme Court and what can it do to laws?

It is the highest court. It can declare laws unconstitutional and stop them.

Why did many Republicans and business leaders oppose the New Deal?

They said it cost too much, raised taxes, and gave the federal government too much power. They feared it threatened free enterprise.

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What was the American Liberty League?

A group set up in 1934 by business leaders and conservatives. It said the New Deal was unconstitutional and threatened liberty.

What did the Supreme Court decide in the Schechter Poultry case (1935)?

It struck down the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). This ended the NRA codes that set pay and prices.

What happened to the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) in 1936?

The Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. Farm payments funded by a special tax were stopped.

How did Roosevelt respond to the Supreme Court’s rulings in 1937?

He proposed a court-packing plan to add up to six new justices. He hoped this would protect New Deal laws.

Why did the court-packing plan face opposition and fail?

Many thought it attacked the balance of power. Congress, including some Democrats, blocked it.

What is meant by the phrase 'the switch in time that saved nine'?

In 1937 the Supreme Court began upholding New Deal laws. The Court stayed at nine justices.

Which key New Deal laws did the Supreme Court uphold in 1937?

The Wagner Act and the Social Security Act.

How did the Supreme Court’s actions affect the New Deal overall?

In 1935–36 it blocked major parts, which slowed change. After 1937 it allowed most reforms to stand.

By 1941, how had Roosevelt gained a friendlier Supreme Court?

Several older justices retired. Roosevelt appointed new ones, so the Court became more supportive.

What did supporters of states' rights argue about the New Deal?

They said the federal government took powers that belonged to the states. They claimed this broke the Constitution.

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