Course: Modern American History
Topic: The Watergate Crisis
Outcomes: Political Systems, Understandings and Attitudes
Teacher Background:
Students should recognize that following World War II, the office
of the American presidency gained power. The Watergate crisis
called attention to how this power could be abused. An examination
of this crisis also clearly defines the concept of separation of
power and guarantee of a free press. Students should develop an
appreciation for the democratic processes and justice that have
increased in the U.S. Constitution. The description of the
Watergate crisis should include an analysis of the following:
The crimes the Nixon administration committed as well as the
specific laws the President himself violated
Justification of the Presidential pardon issued by Gerald
Ford
Review laws passed to curtail Presidential power after the
Watergate crisis
Description of Sample Activities:
1. Students should review the impeachment process as outlined in
the Constitution.
2. Have students construct a Watergate time line that depicts how
the events unfolded.
3. Divide the class into research groups and have each group
investigate testimony before Senate Select Committee on
Presidential Campaign Practices. Have students construct an
abbreviated reenactment of the hearings. (Using the file)
4. Review the case of United States vs. Nixon (1974). Using the
jigsaw strategy, break students into four groups and have each
group answer one of the following questions:
a. Under what circumstances might executive privilege have been
properly asserted?
b. Why did the President feel justified in his claim of executive
privilege?
c. What rights did the Court see as being in opposition to other
presidential claims?
d. Did the President violate the rights of the individuals whose
conversations he taped? If so, what rights were violated and
how?
Then have various groups share their answers.
Thoughtful Application:
After reviewing the events in the Watergate Crisis students should
debate and discuss the following:
What crimes did the Nixon Administration commit and how did Nixon
himself violate the law?
How serious were these violations of the law in your opinion?
What might be the long-term consequences of the Watergate
crisis?
Do you agree with President Ford's decision to pardon Nixon? Why or
why not?
What punishment do you think Nixon deserves?
Evaluate the Presidency of Nixon, citing both his accomplishments
and his shortcomings.
o List several laws that Congress passed after Watergate in an
attempt to curb Presidential power.
a Analyze some of the effects of Watergate on Americans' trust of
their government.
Resources:
American Odyssey, Ch. 21, Sec. 3
American Odyssey. Supreme Court Case Study #11, pages 30-32
