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Court-packing plan

The Court-packing plan refers to a proposal aimed at increasing the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt suggested this idea because he faced opposition from a conservative majority that was blocking his New Deal legislation. By adding more justices, he believed he could shape the Court's decisions in favor of his policies. The plan faced significant backlash, leading to concerns about undermining judicial independence and altering the balance of power. Ultimately, the proposal did not pass, but it sparked an ongoing debate about the role and authority of the Supreme Court.

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    Court packing refers to the strategy of expanding the number of justices on the Supreme Court. This idea gained traction in the United States during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration in the 1930s, when he proposed adding additional justices to shift the Court's ideological balance in favor of his New Deal policies. Critics argue that court packing undermines the independence of the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters believe it could enhance representation and responsiveness to contemporary issues. The debate continues about the implications of altering the structure of the Supreme Court.

  • Image for Court-packing plan

    The Court Packing Plan refers to a proposal to increase the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. It emerged in 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to add more justices to shift the Court's decisions in favor of his New Deal programs. The idea was controversial, as critics argued it undermined the independence of the judiciary and set a dangerous precedent for political interference. Ultimately, the plan was unpopular and failed to pass, reinforcing the principle that the judiciary should remain separate from political pressure.