The American Liberty League: a synopsis

The League grounded its criticism of FDR and the New Deal in a defense of private property rights (which is the basis of capitalism) and the Constitution. They believed that the federal government was exceeding its boundaries, as put in place by the Constitution, and was simply going too far. Jouett Shouse, president of the League, argued: “There have been inequities. They must be righted. But the tree must not be destroyed merely because some branches need to be removed.” They wanted to “protect individual initiative and enterprise, to foster the right to work, earn, save and acquire property, and to preserve the ownership and lawful use of property when acquired.”

They also did not like the government bureaucracy and bureaucratic policymaking. In other words, they did not like it when a bureau (agency, commission, administration, board) was authorized to make decisions (i.e. policy) without consulting Congress – too much power in the executive branch.