Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. His presidency is marked by significant changes in federal-state relations, particularly through the New Deal programs designed to address the economic devastation of the Great Depression and reshape the role of government in American life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms, a precedent that led to the 22nd Amendment limiting presidential terms.
2. The New Deal consisted of a variety of programs, such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, and public works projects that transformed federal-state dynamics by increasing federal involvement in local economies.
3. Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II further solidified federal authority, as the government took control over various aspects of the economy to support war efforts.
4. FDR faced significant opposition from both conservatives who believed he expanded government power too much and from progressives who felt he did not go far enough in reforming capitalism.
5. The lasting impact of Roosevelt’s presidency reshaped American political philosophy, creating an expectation for federal intervention in economic crises and setting a precedent for future presidents.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal fundamentally change the relationship between federal and state governments?
  • The New Deal fundamentally altered federal-state relations by significantly increasing federal involvement in economic matters. Through various programs aimed at alleviating the effects of the Great Depression, FDR expanded the scope of federal authority and established a precedent for government intervention in local economies. This shift resulted in states relying more on federal funding and assistance to manage social and economic issues, thereby redefining their traditional roles.
• Discuss how FDR's Court Packing Plan exemplified tensions between different branches of government during his presidency.
  • FDR's Court Packing Plan highlighted significant tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary during his presidency. In an effort to secure support for his New Deal programs, FDR proposed adding justices to the Supreme Court who would favor his policies. This move was widely criticized as an attempt to undermine judicial independence and sparked a national debate about the limits of presidential power versus judicial authority, reflecting broader concerns about checks and balances within the government.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies on American federalism and governance beyond his presidency.
  • The long-term implications of FDR's policies have profoundly shaped American federalism and governance beyond his presidency. The expansion of federal programs initiated during the New Deal established a framework for future government intervention in economic and social issues, leading to a more active role for the federal government in citizens' lives. Additionally, FDR's leadership style and approach to crisis management set new expectations for presidential authority and responsibility, influencing how future administrations navigate economic challenges and crises.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by FDR aimed at recovering the economy during the Great Depression, which expanded the role of the federal government in economic and social welfare.

Court Packing Plan: FDR's controversial proposal in 1937 to expand the Supreme Court by adding more justices, which reflected tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary regarding New Deal legislation.

Social Security Act: A 1935 law created as part of the New Deal that established a social insurance program, providing financial assistance to the elderly and unemployed, representing a shift in federal responsibilities.