Nixon and the Saturday Night Massacre

The Saturday Night Massacre on October 20, 1973, was a pivotal event in the Watergate scandal, leading to the dismissal of special prosecutor Archibald Cox by Solicitor General Robert Bork after Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than carry out President Nixon's orders. This event escalated the Watergate scandal into a crisis, increasing calls for Nixon's impeachment and ultimately contributing to his resignation. The massacre highlighted the tension between the executive branch and the judicial process, as Nixon attempted to withhold Oval Office recordings, invoking executive privilege, but was overruled by a federal appeals court.

What was the ultimate impact of the Saturday Night Massacre on President Nixon?

• It was a significant factor in his eventual downfall.

• It led to his immediate resignation.

• It had no impact on his presidency.

• It strengthened his presidency.

Who was appointed as the special prosecutor to investigate the Watergate affair?

• William Ruckelshaus

• Archibald Cox

• Robert Bork

• Elliot Richardson

What was the main point of contention between Nixon and Cox?

• The appointment of a new Attorney General

• The release of Oval Office recordings

• The firing of White House staff

• The outcome of the Watergate trial

What did Nixon propose instead of handing over all the tapes to Cox?

• Submitting a full accounting of the contents to a judge

• Editing the tapes before submission

• Destroying the tapes

• Releasing the tapes to the public

What was the response of the federal appeals court to Nixon's claim of executive privilege?

• They postponed the decision.

• They ruled against Nixon.

• They supported Nixon's claim.

• They ignored the claim.

Who was the Deputy Attorney General during the Saturday Night Massacre?

• Robert Bork

• Archibald Cox

• Elliot Richardson

• William Ruckelshaus

What action did Robert Bork take during the Saturday Night Massacre?

• He resigned in protest.

• He supported Cox's investigation.

• He refused to follow Nixon's orders.

• He fired Archibald Cox.

What was the immediate public reaction to the Saturday Night Massacre?

• Support for Nixon increased.

• There was widespread criticism and calls for impeachment.

• The public was indifferent.

• The public demanded a new election.

What did Nixon eventually agree to after the Saturday Night Massacre?

• To resign from the presidency

• To continue withholding the tapes

• To appoint another special prosecutor and release the evidence

• To destroy the tapes

How did legendary UPI reporter Helen Thomas describe Nixon after the massacre?

• A triumphant leader

• A dead man walking

• A resilient politician

• A misunderstood president