Final answer:
From 1936 onwards, the Supreme Court has focused on the balance of federal and state powers, adapting constitutional interpretation to modern needs, particularly in areas like civil rights and social welfare. Landmark decisions during this time reflect the changing role of the judiciary in addressing national issues and upholding equality under the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period in Supreme Court history from 1936 to the present has been marked by a concern for the balance between federal and state powers, the interpretation of the Constitution as a living document responsive to the changing needs of society, and the role of the Court in protecting civil rights and liberties.
During this era, the Court navigated through several controversial moments starting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's court-packing plan to Chief Justice Earl Warren's groundbreaking civil rights decisions, and more recently, maintaining the federal government's role in issues like health care and voting rights.