Opposition to the New deal Flashcards
Why did some Democrats criticise the New Deal?
They claimed it was not doing enough.
Who was the main politician who argued the New Deal wasn’t doing enough?
Huey Long
What ideas did Huey Long put forward?
“Share our Wealth” scheme: He wanted to limit personal wealth to $3 million and share taxes equally.
Why did the Republicans, and most businesses, criticise the New Deal?
- They argued it was interfering too much in business.
- Cost too much and they resented paying higher taxes.
- Accused Roosevelt of taking the US on the path to communism.
What aspects of the economy did the New Deal interfere with?
Created jobs; fixed prices; controlled levels of production; set working conditions.
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
To judge whether laws follow the American Constitution.
Who was the Supreme Court dominated by?
Republican judges
Which New Deal laws were declared unconstitutional?
National Recovery Administration
Agricultural Adjustment Act
Why were the NRA and AAA declared unconstitutional?
They extended the role of the federal (central) government too far, taking away the power of individual states
How did Roosevelt respond to opposition from the Supreme Court?
He threatened to appoint 6 extra judges who agreed with his policies, in order to outvote the Republican judges.
Why was Roosevelt forced to back down and withdraw his plan to appoint extra judges?
It made him look like a dictator and that he was trying to interfere in the work of the judges.
How did the Supreme Court react to Roosevelt’s threat to appoint new judges?
They accepted the later measures of the Second New Deal.
