Question

Why was Franklin Roosevelt’s attempt to stack the Supreme Court an abuse of power? because the president should not associate with the justices because the executive branch cannot dictate legislation by manipulation because the president cannot nominate more than one justice in his term because the Supreme Court is required to have only nine justices

Answer 1

Franklin Roosevelt's attempt to stack the Supreme Court was an abuse of power because it contravened the principle of judicial independence and the checks and balances system, aiming to manipulate the judiciary to favor his New Deal policies rather than respecting its autonomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Franklin Roosevelt's Supreme Court Packing Plan

Franklin Roosevelt’s attempt to stack the Supreme Court in 1937 was considered an abuse of power primarily because it appeared to violate the system's separation of powers and checks and balances. The president’s role is to nominate justices, but the act of increasing the number of justices with the intent of shifting judicial interpretations in his favor was seen as manipulating the Court to serve executive interests. Roosevelt's ostensible justification for the proposal was to alleviate the workload of the 'nine old men' of the Court and to bring in fresh perspectives. However, it was widely recognized that his real motivation was frustration with the Court's decisions against New Deal legislation, which he believed were obstructing his economic recovery programs. Even though the plan to add up to six more justices—effectively allowing Roosevelt to choose justices who would be favorable to his policies—was never enacted, it undermined Roosevelts’ standing with the public and within his own party. Eventually, due to natural attrition, Roosevelt had the opportunity to appoint several new justices, shaping the Court without the need for packing.

The concept of judicial independence is central to the American system of government, and any attempt to unduly influence the judiciary can be seen as antithetical to democratic principles. Despite the eventual shift in the Supreme Court’s stance towards New Deal legislation, the idea of expanding the Court to secure favorable rulings is generally viewed with suspicion and as contrary to the notion of an impartial and balanced judiciary.

Answer 2

The best answer is
because the president should not associate with the justices

The president should not wield his power to nominate justices as a tool for political power. The President should respect the independence of the judicial branch. To fill the Supreme Court with political allies would essentially give the president control over both the Executive and judicial branch. Indirectly, the power of his veto and the Supreme Court's power of judicial review would also give him great influence over the legislative branch as well.