Nixon, Ford, and Carter: Key Vocabulary and Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the presidencies of Nixon, Ford, and Carter, providing essential definitions and significant terms for review.

Presidential Election of 1968

A significant election where Nixon won against Humphrey and Wallace, marking a pivotal moment in American politics.

George Wallace

Independent candidate in 1968 who split the Democratic vote, impacting the election results.

Nixon's Candidacy

Driven by political divisions in the Democratic Party and the appeal of centrist views to gain Southern support.

Southern Strategy

Nixon's approach to attract Southern white voters disillusioned with the Democratic Party.

Nixonomics

Economic policies under Nixon characterized by deficit spending and wage/price controls to combat inflation.

Family Assistance Plan

Nixon's proposal to replace welfare programs with a guaranteed minimum income.

Equal Rights Amendment

A proposed amendment aimed at guaranteeing equal rights regardless of sex; Nixon supported its introduction.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Agency established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment.

Détente

The easing of strained relations, especially between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during Nixon's presidency.

Vietnamization

Nixon's strategy to train South Vietnamese forces to take over military operations.

Watergate Scandal

A major political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up.

H.R. Haldeman

Chief of Staff to Nixon, heavily involved in Watergate operations.

John Dean

Nixon's Chief Legal Officer who provided critical testimony about Watergate.

Imperial Presidency

A term used to describe Nixon's expansive use of presidential power.

Camp David Accords

Peace agreements between Israel and Egypt facilitated by President Carter.

Iranian Hostage Crisis

A diplomatic crisis from 1979 to 1981 when American hostages were held in Iran, affecting Carter's presidency.

Whip Inflation Now (WIN) Policy

Ford's initiative aimed at encouraging savings to combat inflation.

Bakke v. Regents

A Supreme Court case addressing affirmative action in college admissions, which limited some practices.

National Energy Policy

Carter's plan to reduce reliance on foreign oil and encourage alternative energy sources.

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1972

Legislation aimed at increasing transparency in campaign contributions.

Civil Service Reform Act of 1978

Legislative action to improve the professionalism of the federal civil service.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the United States President and Vice President.

Deficit Spending

Government spending surpassing revenue, often used to stimulate the economy.

Welfare State

The government’s role in providing social support services and economic security.

Détente Success

Nixon’s foreign policy success characterized by improved relations with Soviet Union and China.

The Silent Majority

The term used by Nixon to describe the average Americans who oppose counterculture movements.

Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I)

An agreement between the U.S. and USSR to limit nuclear weapons.

Republican Right

Conservative factions within the Republican Party that supported Nixon.

CREEP (Committee for the Re-Election of the President)

Nixon's campaign organization implicated in the Watergate scandal.

Nixon's Resignation

Nixon's decision to resign from the presidency on August 9, 1974, due to the Watergate scandal.

Ford's Pardon of Nixon

Ford’s controversial decision to grant Nixon a full pardon to help the nation heal after Watergate.

Familial Assistance Plan

Proposal to reform welfare by providing direct payments to families.

Environmental Regulations

Laws and standards aimed at protecting the environment.

Public Trust Erosion

The decline of public trust in government following scandals like Watergate.

Presidential Succession

The process whereby a successor is chosen when a president resigns or is removed.

Domestic Policy

Government policy concerning internal affairs.

Tax Reform

Changes in tax policies aimed at improving equity or efficiency.

Health Insurance Expansion

Policies aimed at increasing access to medical care for low-income individuals.

Charismatic Leadership

A style of leadership characterized by the ability to inspire and lead through charm.

Right-to-Work Laws

Laws that prohibit union security agreements between companies and labor unions.

Abortion Rights

Legal rights concerning the ability of women to have abortions.

Affirmative Action Programs

Policies that actively promote opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Watergate Tapes

Audio recordings that revealed Nixon's involvement in Watergate.

Public Image Damage

The decline in public perception of Nixon due to the Watergate scandal.

Voter Coalitions

Alliance of various voter groups supporting a candidate or party.

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by stagnant growth, high unemployment, and high inflation.

First Female Lawmakers

Women who break barriers in the political arena to serve as legislators.

Legislative Reforms

Changes in law aimed at improving government operations or addressing public concerns.

Presidential Legacy

The long-term impact and recognition of a president’s policies and character.

Civil Rights Legislation

Laws that aim to eliminate discrimination and enforce equal rights.