Some of Roosevelt's policies were more effective than others.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] It helped industry and agriculture.
2. [1] It created jobs.
3. [1] It irrigated land and controlled flooding.
4. [1] It provided electricity.
5. [1] It made the Tennessee navigable.
6. [1] It created leisure facilities.
7. [1] It helped seven states.
8. [1] They helped gain the trust of the American people.
9. [1] It gave the Americans confidence in their President.
10. [1] Roosevelt was able to explain his policies.
11. [1] They helped to restore faith in the banks.
12. [1] They made people feel that the nation was united in facing problems.
13. [1] They kept the American people informed about the actions of the government.
14. [Level 3/4 explanation example] Roosevelt made his fireside chats to help people understand and therefore support his policies. For instance, he explained the changes he was going to make to the banking sector. This helped to restore confidence in the banks and people were encouraged to reinvest their savings.
15. [1] Huey Long thought the New Deal didn't do enough for the poor.
16. [1] The Supreme Court had to uphold the Constitution.
17. [1] Republicans believed in minimal government intervention and low taxation.
18. [1] Some Republicans thought Roosevelt was acting like a dictator.
19. [1] Some state governors argued that the New Deal laws conflicted with the rights of state governments.
20. [1] Business leaders in the Liberty League opposed the New Deal.
21. [1] Dr Francis Townsend wanted the New Deal to do more for the elderly.
22. [Level 3 explanation example - Failed to provide enough help for the poor] There was some opposition to the New Deal because it did not do enough for the poor. For instance, Senator Huey Long did not think the New Deal went far enough. His 'Share our Wealth' scheme included confiscation of large fortunes, lump sums for American families, pensions, minimum wages and free education.
23. [Level 3 explanation example - Other reasons for opposition] Others thought the President had exceeded his powers through some of the legislation which was introduced. The Supreme Court declared that the AAA and the NRA were unconstitutional. It undermined states' power to help businesses. It was the Court's task to decide if measures passed by the President and the Congress were consistent with the American Constitution. Most of the judges were Republican and they had a natural political dislike for the New Deal.