On February 5, 1937, Roosevelt called Garner and a handful of Democratic congressional leaders to a meeting at the White House, where he stunned them with an audacious plan to reorganize the Supreme Court. Up to six new justices would be chosen by the president in an attempt to ensure many years of judicial approval for his liberal legislative agenda.
Garner himself was not among those critics who considered the proposal to be a threat to the judiciary's independence, believing that "no President can control that court." However, he was deeply concerned about the threat to party unity posed by Roosevelt's somewhat reckless method of handling such a controversial proposal. Garner complained that the president sent the plan to Congress, "without notice after saying he had no legislative program other than outlined . . . it was not in the party platform nor was it taken after consultation with Congressional leaders who would have to put it through. Party policy is not made by one man without consultation with elected officials from another branch of government."
Which of the following best summarizes Garner’s issue with Roosevelt’s plan?
(1 point)
Responses
Garner was afraid Roosevelt’s plan to add judges to the Supreme Court would make it difficult for them to decide cases.
Garner was afraid Roosevelt’s plan to add judges to the Supreme Court would make it difficult for them to decide cases.
Garner was afraid Roosevelt’s plan would give Roosevelt too much power over the Supreme Court rulings.
Garner was afraid Roosevelt’s plan would give Roosevelt too much power over the Supreme Court rulings.
Garner was afraid implementing Roosevelt’s plan would cause arguments because they did not consult with Republicans.
Garner was afraid implementing Roosevelt’s plan would cause arguments because they did not consult with Republicans.
Garner was afraid implementing Roosevelt’s plan would not receive support from the Democratic members of Congress.
Garner was afraid implementing Roosevelt’s plan would not receive support from the Democratic members of Congress.
1 answer
The best summary of Garner’s issue with Roosevelt’s plan is:
Garner was afraid implementing Roosevelt’s plan would not receive support from the Democratic members of Congress.
This reflects Garner's concern about party unity and the lack of consultation with congressional leaders who would need to support the proposal.
