Who were some of FDR’s largest critics? Why did FDR try to reorganize the judiciary?

Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States◦ Sick chicken case

Court ruled that the NIRA was unconstitutional because:1.Gave legislative powers to executive branch2.Some of the industry codes covered business that

took place in a state, whereas the fed gov’t has power to regulate commerce between states only

Passed after provisions of NIRA declared unconstitutional.

Instead of supporting businesses, government was now on the side of the unions

Employers had to bargain with workers Established unfair labor practices –

threatening workers, firing non union members

United States v. Butler

Processing tax out of which farmers were paid to restrict production was not a tax at all

Way of regulating agriculture◦ Went beyond proper power of Congress

If 2/3 of the farmers in a district agreed, each would be given a quota of acres to plant staple crops

Surpluses were no longer destroyed, it would be put in storage and $$ was lent to the farmer for living expenses.

Gave farmers same purchasing power as farmers had between 1910-1914

Claimed the New Deal was unconstitutional and FDR was heading towards a dictatorship

Most members = rich industrialists Alfred Smith was a member – Hoover

refused to join Called FDR a traitor to his class

New Deal not doing enough

I, Governor of California, and How I Ended Poverty (1930)

Ran for governor of Cali in 1934◦ Caused Republicans to use a public relations firm

as a means to win the election now standard practice

came up with a plan that would pay everyone over 60 yrs. $200 a month◦ They must spend that within 30 days◦ Keep $$ circulating and keep business healthy

Attracted 20 million to join his organization – failed to last or achieve much

Catholic Priest Delivered Sunday sermons via radio – reached

millions Shift from religious issues to political and social

issues Originally supported FDR Became obvious he was anti-Semitic, &

supported Hitler Catholic Church made him stop broadcasting

Senator from Louisiana Very energetic speaker Gave University funds for the Sugar Bowl

stadium “Share the Wealth” - $5,000 guaranteed

income for every family◦ Funded by taking over wealth of millionaires,

dividing up natural resources and land Killed FDR’s greatest political threat

FDR v. Alfred Landon Roosevelt won in a greater landslide

◦ Electoral vote was 523 to 8 First election where the unions gave full

support to a single candidate First time candidates campaigned from an

airplane

Asked Congress to reorganize the judiciary Said that if the justices did not retire w/in 6

months of turning 70, the President should have power to appoint additional judges

Supreme Court=6 justices over 70 FDR had not yet appointed a justice and felt

the Court was too conservative w/rulings on AAA, NIRA.

Idea criticized by Congress and press Called the bill the Court-Packing Bill

◦ Fill SC w/justices supporting New Deal Bill never passed Congress, BUT…1. 2 justices changed votes in favor for fed gov’t

to regulate economy2. Conservative justice retired3. Roosevelt appointed 7 justices over next 4 yrs

More conservatives elected to Congress No more new Deal Legislation passed =

New Deal is over