What is Court Packing Plan in APUSH?
The Court Packing Plan refers to the proposal made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court. This plan aimed to allow Roosevelt to appoint additional justices sympathetic to his New Deal policies, thereby shifting the ideological balance of the Court.
Historical Context
In the 1930s, the Supreme Court had struck down several key pieces of New Deal legislation, leading to tensions between the Roosevelt administration and the judiciary. Frustrated by these decisions, Roosevelt put forth the Court Packing Plan as a way to overcome judicial opposition to his policies.
Impact of the Court Packing Plan
The Court Packing Plan faced significant backlash from both political parties, with critics accusing Roosevelt of attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary. Ultimately, the plan was not implemented, but it sparked a larger debate about the separation of powers and the role of the Supreme Court in American government.
Lessons Learned
The Court Packing Plan serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of political interference in the judicial branch. It highlights the delicate balance of power between the branches of government and the importance of respecting the independence of the judiciary.
