did in order to rescue America from this depression. FDR, as good as he was, didn't really have a clear idea of what he wanted to do or needed to do to reverse the effects of the economic depression, Obama does have a clear vision of what he wants and needs to do. Most of FDR's relief measures were declared unconstitutional by the repub supreme court, which helped to prolong the depression, and they will be Obama's chief roadblock to real economic change. The repubs now generally have a 5 to 4 majority on the court, including the Chief Justice, Roberts. It might be hard for Obama to win over another vote on the court to get a 5 to 4 majority.