Watergate Scandal: Leadership and Media

In 1973, President Nixon faced multiple challenges, including the Watergate scandal and the Yom Kippur War. A court ordered him to release White House tapes, but he refused, leading to the Saturday Night Massacre where he fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox. This triggered public outrage and calls for impeachment. Nixon's actions were compared to modern political issues, highlighting differences in media and congressional cooperation.

What major international conflict was occurring during the Watergate scandal?

• The Korean War

• The Yom Kippur War

• The Vietnam War

• The Gulf War

What was the outcome of the US Court of Appeals ruling regarding Nixon's secret tapes?

• Nixon was acquitted of all charges

• Nixon was allowed to keep the tapes secret

• Nixon was ordered to turn over the tapes

• Nixon was ordered to destroy the tapes

Who was the special prosecutor that Nixon ordered to be fired during the Saturday Night Massacre?

• Spiro Agnew

• Gerald Ford

• Archibald Cox

• Elliot Richardson

What was the public's reaction to the Saturday Night Massacre?

• There was little public reaction

• A firestorm of protest erupted

• The public demanded more tapes

• Support for Nixon increased

What did Nixon do in response to the backlash from the Saturday Night Massacre?

• He turned over all tapes

• He resigned immediately

• He ignored the protests

• He backed down but withheld incriminating tapes

How did Nixon respond to the press during the Watergate scandal?

• He attacked their credibility

• He collaborated with them

• He ignored them

• He praised their reporting

What lesson does the Watergate scandal teach about leadership and accountability?

• The press should not question leaders

• Leaders must be accountable to the law

• Public tolerance for misconduct is high

• Leaders can act above the law

What is a key difference between the political climate during Watergate and today?

• There was more political polarization during Watergate

• Congress was more divided during Watergate

• Social media played a major role during Watergate

• Congress was more united during Watergate

How did the media landscape differ during the Watergate era compared to today?

• There was no media coverage during Watergate

• The media was more polarized during Watergate

• Social media was a major influence during Watergate

• The media was less judgmental during Watergate

What role did Congress play during the Watergate scandal?

• They were deeply divided and ineffective

• They worked together to maintain checks and balances

• They supported Nixon unconditionally

• They ignored the scandal