Oklahoma Academic Standard 7. The student will analyze the causes and effects of significant domestic events and policies from 1945 to 1975.  

Objective 7.2  Analyze the ongoing social and political transformations within the United States. 

   F. Evaluate the impact of the Watergate Scandal on executive powers including the role of the media, the Pentagon Papers, the first use of the 25th Amendment, and President Ford’s decision to pardon former President Nixon. 

In a Nutshell

The Watergate Scandal rocked the nation, leading to a growth of public distrust in government institutions and their leaders. Students should understand the significance of the media in revealing the facts which ultimately resulted in impeachment hearings and limits on executive authority. Students should also evaluate the impact of the presidential pardon on recovery of the nation during this crisis.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide students frequent opportunities to explain how various governmental powers, responsibilities and limitations are enacted and have changed over time.   

•  Compose argumentative written products, including a precise claim as distinguished from opposing claims, organizing logical reasoning and providing credible evidence regarding the changing powers of the Chief Executive. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• silent majority

• Southern strategy

• executive privilege, obstruction of justice

• role of the media; watchdogs; Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein

• Some students may possess limited understandings related to the impeachment process as provided by the Constitution and congressional practice.

• Many students may fail to realize the significance of executive actions, including lying under oath and obstruction of justice.

Instructional Resources