Separation of Powers in the New Deal Era

MARIO·

Government

Preview

At a Glance

Grade Level11th Grade

SubjectGovernment

Original Prompt

Analyze a Supreme Court case during the Great Depression and evaluate how the decision affected the powers of the other branches.

This resource explores the landmark case of Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (1935), which addressed the boundaries of federal authority during the Great Depression and the New Deal. It discusses the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and its implications for executive power, arguing that the law infringed on Congress's exclusive legislative authority. The Court unanimously ruled that the NIRA violated the Constitution's non-delegation doctrine, asserting that Congress cannot delegate its law-making powers to the executive branch. The material also prompts critical thinking about the balance of power during national crises, the limits of governmental authority, and the historical context of FDR's policy responses. Finally, it encourages reflection on the implications of the Court’s decision on American democracy.