Watergate Scandal Key Concepts

The Watergate scandal began with the arrest of five men at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972. The investigation, led by law enforcement and journalists, revealed a broader effort by Nixon's administration to undermine the Democratic Party. Despite winning the 1972 election by a landslide, Nixon's paranoia led to unnecessary actions. The break-in was orchestrated by CREEP, led by John Mitchell. Nixon's campaign involved various operations against Democrats, including infiltration and espionage. The burglars were linked to the Bay of Pigs operation, believing they were acting patriotically.

What event marked the beginning of the Watergate scandal?

• The publication of the Pentagon Papers

• The election of Richard Nixon

• The arrest of five men at the Democratic National Committee headquarters

• The resignation of Richard Nixon

Who were the key journalists involved in investigating the Watergate scandal?

• Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings

• Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather

• Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein

• Edward R. Murrow and Howard K. Smith

Despite winning the 1972 election by a landslide, why did Nixon engage in activities to undermine the Democratic Party?

• He was pressured by his party

• He wanted to ensure a close victory

• He needed more campaign funds

• He was paranoid and saw enemies everywhere

Who authorized the Watergate break-in?

• Henry Kissinger

• John Mitchell

• Spiro Agnew

• Richard Nixon

What was the ironic name of the committee involved in Nixon's re-election campaign?

• Committee for a Better America

• Committee to Re-elect the President (CREEP)

• Committee for Democratic Integrity

• Committee for National Security

What was one of the tactics used by Nixon's campaign against Democratic candidates?

• Televised advertisements

• Public debates

• Infiltration and spying

• Public rallies

Who was Nixon's strongest potential rival in the 1972 election?

• Hubert Humphrey

• Edmund Muskie

• George McGovern

• George Wallace

What was the role of Muskie's driver in the Watergate scandal?

• He was a double agent for the Democrats

• He was a secret informant for the FBI

• He was on the payroll of the Nixon campaign

• He was an undercover journalist

Who were the burglars involved in the Watergate break-in?

• Former FBI agents

• British intelligence officers

• Cuban Americans recruited by former CIA agents

• Members of the Democratic Party

What did the burglars believe they were doing during the Watergate break-in?

• Acting patriotically for their country and president

• Engaging in espionage for a foreign government

• Following orders from the Democratic Party

• Committing a crime for personal gain