The watergate scandal worksheet answers – Unraveling the complexities of the Watergate scandal, this comprehensive worksheet guide delves into the key events, figures, and consequences that shaped one of the most pivotal moments in American political history.

The Watergate scandal, a saga of intrigue and deception, unfolded during the presidency of Richard Nixon, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. This worksheet provides a thorough exploration of the scandal’s origins, key players, and lasting impact, offering a valuable resource for students and history enthusiasts alike.

1. The Watergate Scandal

An Overview

The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the early 1970s. It involved the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the subsequent cover-up of the incident by the Nixon administration.

The scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and had a profound impact on American politics.

The key events of the Watergate scandal include:

• The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972.
• The arrest of five burglars at the scene of the break-in.
• The revelation that the burglars were connected to the Nixon administration.
• The cover-up of the break-in by the Nixon administration.
• The impeachment of President Nixon by the House of Representatives on July 27, 1974.
• The resignation of President Nixon on August 9, 1974.

The Watergate scandal had a significant impact on American politics. It led to a loss of trust in the government and a decline in the popularity of the Republican Party. It also led to a number of reforms, including the creation of the independent counsel law and the Ethics in Government Act.

2. Key Figures Involved

The key figures involved in the Watergate scandal include:

• Richard Nixon: President of the United States at the time of the scandal.
• H.R. Haldeman: Nixon’s chief of staff.
• John Ehrlichman: Nixon’s domestic affairs adviser.
• John Mitchell: Nixon’s attorney general.
• G. Gordon Liddy: A former FBI agent who was involved in the break-in.
• E. Howard Hunt: A former CIA agent who was involved in the break-in.
• James McCord: One of the five burglars who was arrested at the scene of the break-in.
• Bob Woodward: A reporter for The Washington Post who played a key role in uncovering the scandal.
• Carl Bernstein: A reporter for The Washington Post who played a key role in uncovering the scandal.

These individuals played a variety of roles in the Watergate scandal. Nixon was ultimately responsible for the cover-up, while Haldeman and Ehrlichman were his chief lieutenants. Mitchell was responsible for the break-in itself, while Liddy and Hunt were the two burglars who actually carried it out.

McCord was one of the five burglars who was arrested at the scene of the break-in, and Woodward and Bernstein were the two reporters who played a key role in uncovering the scandal.

3. The Break-In and Subsequent Investigation

The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters was carried out by five burglars on June 17, 1972. The burglars were part of a group known as the “Plumbers,” who were responsible for carrying out dirty tricks on behalf of the Nixon administration.

The burglars were caught in the act of breaking into the DNC headquarters and were arrested. The arrests led to a subsequent investigation by the FBI and the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities. The investigation uncovered a wide-ranging conspiracy to cover up the break-in, which involved the White House, the Committee to Re-Elect the President, and the CIA.

4. The Role of the Media

The media played a key role in uncovering the Watergate scandal. Two reporters from The Washington Post, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, played a particularly important role. Woodward and Bernstein investigated the break-in and uncovered the cover-up, which led to the resignation of President Nixon.

The media’s role in the Watergate scandal was a watershed moment in American journalism. It showed that the media could play a vital role in holding the government accountable and that the public had a right to know about the actions of its elected officials.

5. The Impeachment Process

The impeachment process against President Nixon began in the House of Representatives on July 27, 1974. The House voted to impeach Nixon on three charges: obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress.

The impeachment trial began in the Senate on August 9, 1974. The Senate voted to convict Nixon on two of the charges, obstruction of justice and abuse of power. However, the Senate did not vote to convict Nixon on the charge of contempt of Congress.

On August 9, 1974, President Nixon resigned from office before the Senate could vote on whether to remove him from office.

6. The Aftermath and Legacy: The Watergate Scandal Worksheet Answers

The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on American politics. It led to a loss of trust in the government and a decline in the popularity of the Republican Party. It also led to a number of reforms, including the creation of the independent counsel law and the Ethics in Government Act.

The Watergate scandal is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government. It is also a reminder of the power of the media to hold the government accountable and to inform the public about the actions of its elected officials.

FAQ

What were the key events of the Watergate scandal?

The scandal began with the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., in 1972. The subsequent investigation uncovered a web of illegal activities, including wiretapping, political espionage, and obstruction of justice, involving high-ranking members of the Nixon administration.

Who were the major figures involved in the scandal?

Key figures included President Richard Nixon, his chief of staff H.R. Haldeman, and his domestic affairs adviser John Ehrlichman. Other key players were G. Gordon Liddy, who planned the break-in, and James McCord, a security guard who was arrested at the scene.

What was the role of the media in exposing the scandal?

Investigative journalists, particularly Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post, played a crucial role in uncovering the truth about Watergate. Their relentless reporting exposed the administration’s involvement in the cover-up and ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation.