9.3 Watergate Scandal and Constitutional Crisis

The Watergate scandal rocked American politics in the 1970s. It began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and spiraled into a massive cover-up involving President Nixon and his administration. The scandal exposed corruption at the highest levels of government.

Watergate's aftermath reshaped American politics and society. It led to Nixon's resignation, eroded public trust in government, and sparked reforms to prevent future abuses of power. The scandal demonstrated the strength of the U.S. system of checks and balances.

The Watergate Scandal

Events of Watergate break-in

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• Five men connected to Nixon's reelection campaign caught breaking into Democratic National Committee headquarters at Watergate office complex on June 17, 1972
• Burglars attempted to repair previously installed wiretapping devices and photograph documents
• Nixon administration officials attempted to cover up break-in and president's involvement
  • Provided "hush money" to burglars
  • Pressured CIA to stop FBI's investigation
  • Destroyed evidence and testified falsely

Media's role in Watergate exposure

• Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played crucial role in investigating break-in and subsequent cover-up
  • Received information from anonymous source "Deep Throat," later revealed as FBI Associate Director Mark Felt
• Media's persistent coverage kept scandal in public eye and pressured government to investigate further
• Other major newspapers and television networks eventually joined coverage, contributing to growing public awareness and outrage

Constitutional issues of Watergate

• Scandal raised questions about extent of executive privilege, president's right to withhold information from Congress and courts
  • Nixon claimed executive privilege in refusing to release subpoenaed White House tapes during investigation
• Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Nixon in United States v. Nixon (1974), stating executive privilege not absolute and must yield to needs of criminal investigation
• Highlighted importance of checks and balances in U.S. political system and limits of presidential power

The Aftermath of Watergate

Impact on American politics

• Scandal eroded public trust in government and political institutions
  • Contributed to growing cynicism and disillusionment among American public
• Congress passed reforms to prevent future abuses of power (Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978)
• Influenced 1974 midterm elections, with Democrats making significant gains in House and Senate
• Term "gate" became suffix attached to subsequent political scandals (Irangate, Monicagate)

Significance of Nixon's resignation

• Facing near-certain impeachment and removal from office, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974
  • Became first and only U.S. president to resign from office
• Vice President Gerald Ford assumed presidency, stating "Our long national nightmare is over"
  • Ford's presidency focused on healing nation and moving past scandal
• In controversial move, Ford pardoned Nixon for any crimes committed while in office, arguing necessary for country to move forward
• Demonstrated resilience of U.S. Constitution and rule of law, as system of checks and balances functioned to address abuse of power