The Resignation and Pardon of
Richard M. Nixon
Objectives:
The students will…
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Be able to explain the major events involving the Watergate scandal
Be able to identify the major figures in the Watergate Scandal
Identify the Constitutional principles involved in the scandal
Explain the rationale for President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon
Explain the facts of the United States v. Nixon
Materials:
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Chronology of Events
Teaching with Documents: Watergate and the Constitution from the National Archives
The Watergate Files at the Ford Library
Student handout primary source: Justice Department Memo
Student handout primary source: Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon
United States v. Nixon
Teacher Guide
Page 1
Optional:
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Oral arguments in the case (audio files available on Oyez site)
XXV Amendment to the Constitution
Additional Resources:
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Movie: All the President’s Men
Background:
The Watergate scandal has had enormous influence on government and the nation. Although
few today can relate the actual facts of the case, it served as a catalyst for the widespread
disillusionment of the American people with their government and its leaders. Today, virtually
every scandal is tagged with the suffix –gate. Watergate involved serious, constitutional issues
such as 1) Is the President above the law? 2) What are the parameters of separation of powers?
Checks and balances?
1. Have the students view the chronology of events in the Watergate scandal.
a. Explain that the crisis began with a break-in at the Democratic headquarters.
i. The idea was to place listening devices to eavesdrop on strategy for the
1972 presidential contest.
ii. The burglary was discovered and several people arrested.
2. Also have the students review the major figures in Watergate and to read the material
available at the Gerald R. Ford Library.
a. The major issue was what was the
White House’s involvement in the
break-in?
b. The Washington Post was
relentless in trying to discover the
details of the story. This was
glorified in the film: All the
President’s Men.
c. Ultimately, President Nixon
attempted to “cover-up” the
scandal and was involved in
obstruction of justice.
Teacher Guide
Page 2
3. It was revealed that the administration had installed a taping system in the White House
which recorded all of the President’s conversations. This would prove one way or the
other the President’s involvement.
a. President Nixon claimed that the tapes were protected by executive privilege and
that because of the doctrine of separation of powers, they could not be
subpoenaed. This became the basis of the law suit, the United States v. Nixon.
Have the students access the case and to read the facts and the issue involved.
b. You may want to have the students listen to the actual oral arguments in the case.
c. Discuss the case with the students and have them explain their own opinions.
d. Read the case decision and its implication.
i. The court ruled that the tapes had to be turned over to the special
prosecutor.
ii. One of the tapes contained the so-called “smoking gun” which proved that
President Nixon had been involved in a cover up and in obstruction of
justice.
iii. The President was forced to resign rather than face almost certain
impeachment in the House of Representatives.
e. Gerald Ford became President of the United States after the resignation.
i. It is interesting to talk about the XXV Amendment to the Constitution
here.
1. It was ratified after the Kennedy assassination.
2. It provides for the appointment of a new Vice President in case of
a vacancy in the office.
3. This happened for the first time in 1973 when Vice President Spiro
Agnew resigned.
a. Gerald Ford was appointed the new Vice President.
b. After he became President, he appointed Nelson
Rockefeller as Vice President. These are the only two times
the amendment has been used for a vacancy in the vice
presidency.
4. Read the Justice Department memo on the factors involved in prosecuting President
Nixon for crimes in Watergate.
a. What are the pros and cons of such an action?
5. After President Ford was in office, he pardoned President Nixon.
a. Have the students read President Ford’s pardon order.
i. A pardon is one of the few absolute powers of the presidency.
ii. It had the effect of halting any legal and criminal actions against President
Nixon.
b. Ask the students what was the logic behind the pardon? Do they agree with it?
Teacher Guide
Page 3