Why did Roosevelt’s Supreme Court proposal stir up such a hornet’s nest?

Question

Why did Roosevelt’s Supreme Court proposal stir up such a hornet’s nest? Was Roosevelt justified in breaking his platform promises regarding economy and a balanced budget? Did the New Deal change the basic character of the American people? of the federal government?

help and sources would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The idea that FDR wished to "pack the court" was seen by many, the Republicans and many Democrats to be an attempt by FDR to circumvent, go around, opposition to the New Deal by changing the Constitution illegally. The Constitution called for 9 Justices and FDR's proposal would have increased that number by appointing extra judges for those judges who were over 70. That would have added 6 judges, appointed by FDR and would have given FDR 10 votes for any court case, no more 5-4 loses. The problem was that many Democrats, from the south mainly, opposed the New Deal, these Democrats were just as Conservative as the Republicans, if not more so. They wanted to hold on to their power and limit the power and New Deal programs of FDR. This judicial proposal of FDR was their chance to make their power known. They united with the Republicans to defeat the proposal.

Until president Johnson, LBJ, got the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act passed in 1964 and 65 the Conservative Democrats and the Republican party would unite on Social issues to keep social reforms in check. A good read on the topic is David Kennedy's "Freedom from Fear". It reviews FDR's administration along with the Great Depression and WW2.

    Hope that helps. Packers.