The Bush and Clinton Presidencies — Unit test

Question 9 • MCPSS AL-Grade 6 United States Studies: The Industrial Revolution to the Present - Summer School 2026

Which best summarizes the outcome of the Watergate scandal?

Answer

Nixon narrowly avoided being removed from office, and the remainder of his presidency was marked by weakness and conflict.

Nixon was impeached by Congress, and Ford assumed the presidency but was soon dragged down by his own involvement in the scandal.

Nixon was impeached by Congress; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.

Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.

Explanation

The Watergate investigation uncovered evidence tying President Richard Nixon to the cover-up. Facing likely impeachment and removal from office, Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could impeach him. His successor, Gerald Ford, pardoned him and then explained and defended that decision before Congress. Therefore, the best summary is that Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment and Ford pardoned him.

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