Watergate Scandal

Nixon, Cover-up, and Congressional Investigation

What event initiated the Watergate Scandal?

The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in June 1972.

What was the primary reason Nixon's team engaged in illegal activities?

They were nervous about winning his reelection.

Who were the Watergate burglars?

Five men carrying wiretapping equipment, one of whom worked for Nixon's re-election campaign.

What did Nixon order the CIA to do regarding the FBI investigation?

He ordered them to stop the investigation, claiming it threatened national security.

What was the purpose of the 'hush' money given to the burglars?

To keep them quiet about their connections to the White House.

Which newspaper played a significant role in uncovering the Watergate Scandal?

The Washington Post, through reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.

What was discovered about Nixon's re-election committee?

It had an illegal slush fund used for criminal activities and bribery.

What did the Senate hearings reveal about Nixon?

Guilty White House officials testified that Nixon was involved in the scandal.

What was the significance of the 'smoking gun' tape?

It recorded Nixon ordering the cover-up of the Watergate break-in.

What legal principle did Nixon invoke to refuse releasing the tapes?

Executive privilege.

What was the outcome of United States v. Nixon?

The Supreme Court ordered Nixon to release the unedited tapes.

What actions did Nixon take that constituted an abuse of power?

Perjury, bribery, wiretapping, misuse of federal agents, and obstruction of justice.

What triggered the impeachment process against Nixon?

His firing of government lawyers investigating the scandal.

What is impeachment?

The House of Representatives accuses a government official of wrongdoing.

What majority is needed in the House to impeach a president?

A simple majority vote (218 out of 435 members).

What happened after Nixon resigned?

Vice President Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon for any crimes committed during his presidency.

What does a presidential pardon imply?

It formally forgives someone of a crime but implies guilt and cannot be overturned.

What was the public's reaction to Nixon's actions during the scandal?

There was widespread mistrust of the government.

What new laws did Congress pass following the Watergate Scandal?

Laws to limit executive power.

How did the Watergate Scandal affect public trust in the media?

People began to trust the media more as a check on government power.

What was the missing element from one of Nixon's tapes?

18 minutes of recording were suspiciously missing.

What did Nixon claim about his power in relation to the law?

He claimed he had unlimited power, which was contradicted by the principles of separation of powers.

What did the Senate hearings reveal about the White House's involvement?

They uncovered connections between the burglars and White House officials.

What was the public's perception of the White House's involvement in the break-in?

Most people believed the White House was involved.

What was the primary consequence of Nixon's refusal to cooperate with investigations?

It led to his eventual resignation as the first U.S. president to do so.

What is a slush fund?