Conservative or Liberal? “The government should help the poor and the needy.” “I work hard and don’t think I should have to pay a bunch of taxes to give to people that are too lazy to work?”

Warm Up Should the government have programs to help poor people? Why or why not? What is the difference between a conservative and a liberal in the U.S.? Which would be for the New Deal? How might a liberal be critical of the New Deal?

Reactions to the New Deal

Public Reaction to the New Deal Public confidence had improved. But the country was still in an economic slump. Still high unemployment. Some people wanted FDR to do more.

Critics of the New Deal Liberal critics claimed that the New Deal did not go far enough & was going too slow. They felt government should do more Conservative critics claimed the New Deal went too far. Government was becoming too intrusive and veering towards socialism.

What FDR Says He is trying to save capitalism. He is not tied to an ideology—The New Deal is pragmatic. Pragmatism is basing value on something by the results (does it work).

The Biggest Critics Many conservative businessmen banded together; They were known as The American Liberty League. Felt that New Deal is taking country towards socialism. Example—TVA was seen as govt. competing with privately owned power companies.

One of the most vocal Liberal critics was Huey Long

Huey Long U.S. Senator for Louisiana (“The Kingfish”). He wanted to be President. Long felt he had a better plan: “Share-our-wealth” (Take away all income over $5 million and guarantee everybody $2,500). “Every man a king, but no one wears a crown.” 1935 Huey Long was assassinated.

Dr. Francis Townsend Had a plan to aid the elderly that at the same time would help stimulate the economy. Every person over 60 would retire and receive $200 per month. They would have to spend the money each month. Townsend claimed this would create jobs, help the elderly, and stimulate the economy.

Father Charles Coughlin Catholic Priest who had a radio show that had a huge following (40- million listeners). At first he supported FDR. But turned against FDR when he felt he wasn’t going far enough. Besides railing against FDR, Coughlin also attacked bankers and Jews. Wants wealth redistribution and Govt. ownership of banks.

Union Party Followers of Townsend, Long and Coughlin form the Union Party. William Lemke of S.D. is Pres. Candidate.

FDR wins a 2 nd Term In 1936, FDR defeats Republican Alf Landon to win a second term as President. Union Party gets 900,000 votes.

FDR’s Problems with the Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court began declaring FDR’s New Deal Programs unconstitutional NRA declared unconstitutional. 1936, AAA declared unconstitutional STOP!!!

FDR’s Court Packing Plan Frustrated with the Supreme Court’s dismantling of his New Deal programs, in 1937 FDR purposed a court- reform bill that would re-organize the Supreme Court. It called for adding additional judges for each judge over 70. This would allow FDR to appoint 6 more judges. These new judges would support FDR and tip the court in his favor.

The People React to FDR The Press and Congress protest FDR on his court-packing bill. Charge him with violating separation of powers. Court packing bill fails! But after the court-packing scheme, the court starts to side with FDR. “Switch in time that saves nine”