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Opposition to the New Deal
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The New Deal was popular with many voters, but it faced fierce criticism from both the right and the left.
From the right
Republicans and business interests said the New Deal was too costly, gave the government too much power, and was like socialism.
The American Liberty League (1934), backed by rich businessmen, campaigned against it.
The American Liberty League (1934), backed by rich businessmen, campaigned against it.
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that key laws, including the NRA (1935) and the AAA (1936), were unconstitutional.
In 1937 Roosevelt proposed adding more judges ('court packing'). This was seen as an attack on the Constitution and failed, though the Court then became less hostile.
In 1937 Roosevelt proposed adding more judges ('court packing'). This was seen as an attack on the Constitution and failed, though the Court then became less hostile.
From the left
Some said the New Deal did not go far enough.
Huey Long, a senator from Louisiana, proposed 'Share Our Wealth' to take from the rich and give to the poor; he was assassinated in 1935.
Father Coughlin, a radio priest with millions of listeners, turned against Roosevelt.
Huey Long, a senator from Louisiana, proposed 'Share Our Wealth' to take from the rich and give to the poor; he was assassinated in 1935.
Father Coughlin, a radio priest with millions of listeners, turned against Roosevelt.
Why did the Supreme Court oppose parts of the New Deal?
- The Constitution limits the power of the federal government.
- Judges ruled that laws such as the NRA gave Washington powers it did not have.
- So they struck them down as unconstitutional.
Answer: It ruled that some New Deal laws went beyond the federal government's constitutional powers.
Right: Republicans, business and the Liberty League said it was costly and socialist. Supreme Court: struck down the NRA (1935) and AAA (1936); Roosevelt's court-packing plan (1937) failed. Left: Huey Long's Share Our Wealth and Father Coughlin said it did too little.
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