Watergate Scandal and Gerald Ford's Presidency

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Watergate scandal and the presidency of Gerald Ford.

Watergate

The major political scandal involving Richard Nixon's administration for the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

Credibility gap

The public's skepticism about the government's honesty and integrity, particularly during the Watergate scandal.

CREEP

Committee to Reelect the President, responsible for Nixon's illegal fundraising and dirty tricks.

The White House Plumbers

A covert team formed to stop information leaks and involved in illegal activities for Nixon's administration.

John Dean

Former White House aide who testified against Nixon, revealing his involvement in the Watergate cover-up.

Executive privilege

The legal principle that allows a president to withhold information from the public for reasons of national security.

Saturday Night Massacre

The series of events on October 20, 1973, when Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox, leading to resignations of numerous officials.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, in this case Nixon, who faced charges of obstruction of justice and abuse of power.

Pardon

A government decision to allow a person to be absolved from the legal consequences of a crime; in this context, Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon.

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by slow economic growth and relatively high unemployment—a combination of stagnation and inflation.

Helsinki Conference

A diplomatic meeting in 1975 to improve relations between the Communist bloc and the West, involving various agreements on political and human rights issues.

Gerald Ford

The 38th President of the United States who succeeded Nixon following his resignation and pardoned him shortly thereafter.

Election of 1976

The presidential election in which Jimmy Carter narrowly defeated Gerald Ford, focusing on honesty and integrity in contrast to the Watergate scandal.