Question: According to the document below, does this provide evidence that FDR wanted too much power? Why? (I want a short response) Document 3: In Defense

According to the document below, does this provide evidence that FDR wanted too much power? Why? (I want a short response)

Document 3: "In Defense of FDR" by Harold Ickes (1937) In the

Document 3: "In Defense of FDR" by Harold Ickes (1937) In the checks and balances established by the framers of the U.S. Constitution, there are plenty of limitations on the legislative and executive branches, but not a single check on the judiciary except that of impeachment, which was slow and cumbersome and of doubtful effectiveness. I argued that the people in the last election had given the President a mandate [wide powers] to provide them with such social and economic legislation as is implied in the term "New Deal." The President has the ability to do all within his power to give the people what he had pr omised them and what they had shown so unmistakably that they wanted. I expressed the opinion that the people wanted the benefits of the New Deal now. I pointed out that while those who are opposing the President pretend to do it on the basis that a constitutional amendment is the proper procedure, it would take all of twenty years to get such an amendment through. with respect to an act or acts of Congress limiting the powers of the Supreme Court so as to provide, for instance, that no law could be held to be unconstitutional except on a two-thirds or three-quarters majority, I predicted that any such law would be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and therefore would be ineffective. Context: Harold Ickes was FDR's Secretary of the Interior, an important cabinet position that deals with domestic policy in the United States. In this source, he explains his opinion on the President's plan to "pack the court."

Step by Step Solution

3.34 Rating (160 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

The document by Harold Ickes defends FDRs actions ar... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related International, Global, Thematic Questions!