What was the primary aim of FDR's Judiciary Reorganization Bill?

What was the primary aim of FDR's Judiciary Reorganization Bill?

• A. To establish a new economic plan
• B. To increase the number of judges who supported him
• C. To decrease the power of the Supreme Court
• D. To introduce new legislation on civil rights

Answer: (B)

The primary aim of FDR's Judiciary Reorganization Bill was indeed to increase the number of judges who supported him. Introduced in 1937, this bill was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s broader strategy to ensure that his New Deal programs could be implemented without obstruction from the Supreme Court, which had struck down several key pieces of New Deal legislation as unconstitutional. FDR proposed to add more justices to the Supreme Court, which was seen as a way to gain a majority that would be favorably disposed to his policies. By proposing to enlarge the court, he aimed to appoint justices who would uphold his New Deal reforms. This plan was controversial and faced significant opposition, as many viewed it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary and a direct threat to the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution. Understanding this context helps clarify why this objective was so significant for FDR at the time, reflecting his commitment to enacting comprehensive economic reforms during the Great Depression without judicial hindrance.

The primary aim of FDR's Judiciary Reorganization Bill was indeed to increase the number of judges who supported him. Introduced in 1937, this bill was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s broader strategy to ensure that his New Deal programs could be implemented without obstruction from the Supreme Court, which had struck down several key pieces of New Deal legislation as unconstitutional.

FDR proposed to add more justices to the Supreme Court, which was seen as a way to gain a majority that would be favorably disposed to his policies. By proposing to enlarge the court, he aimed to appoint justices who would uphold his New Deal reforms. This plan was controversial and faced significant opposition, as many viewed it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary and a direct threat to the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution.

Understanding this context helps clarify why this objective was so significant for FDR at the time, reflecting his commitment to enacting comprehensive economic reforms during the Great Depression without judicial hindrance.