Unit+IV+Journal

.pdf

School

Columbia Southern University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5301

Subject

Political Science

Date

Jun 19, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

6

Uploaded by BrigadierLapwingMaster1413

Unit IV Essay Scott R. Groover Columbia Southern University PUA 5301: Administration of Public Institutions Professor Wendy Morton August 29, 2023
1 Introduction How does the Constitution ensure that our government is working together in each of the branches to maintain order and uphold ethics and values in our society? After further exploring how the government works together and instances in which there were conflicts that arose among two or more of the branches, the answer to this question is one that is complex and not easily answered. The Film Media Group (2013) expounds upon how our government is divided into three parts, each maintaining a level of superiority over another in certain circumstances, while also staying balanced in their power to make decisions (Film Media Group, 2013). The writers of the Constitution were very vague in some of their thoughts and ideas, so the three branches of the government have to work together to decipher and decide the intended purposes of the language used (Film Media Group, 2013). It is imperative that the three branches are working together and are maintaining consistency in how the Constitution is interpreted and used to defend or defile those who act against it. The Watergate Scandal is an example of how executive power was abused and misused. Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli (2023) explain how “leaders can inspire or dismay, unify or stir division, lie or tell the truth” and because of this, “their words matter” (p. 364). Furthermore, Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli (2023) assert how “decision-making thus requires that careful attention be given to whether the proposed course of action is the right and just thing to do” (p. 364). In essence, President Nixon was being accused of breaking the law and was misusing his executive power to cover it up (Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli, 2023). The executive and legislative branches were in conflict about how to respond, while the Supreme Court began the process to remove President Nixon from the White House in accordance with the Constitution (Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli, 2023). There were many individuals involved in this
2 investigation and eventual long process of hearings, and unfortunately, there were those who were very poor examples of public ethics amongst those who aimed to uphold public ethics by following the Constitution when deciding how to respond to this scandal. Best Examples of Public Ethics in Watergate Scandal After researching more about Watergate and its repercussions for those involved, it was interesting to learn more about those who worked to prosecute President Nixon. Even though the branches of government were at odds, the Constitution was upheld by ensuring that even the President would be held accountable for following the laws. Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli (2023) specifically reference Peter W. Rodino Jr., who was the chair of the Judiciary Committee, who was in charge of considering articles of impeachment (Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli, 2023). Franzese, Mazo, and Spinelli (2023) explain how he, and other acting members of Congress, acted and responded to this scandal with “unyielding belief in the sanctity of the law and the Constitution” used the Constitution as “the guidepost for moving forward” and how “bipartisanship was vital to the outcome” (p. 365). When it came down to it, Congress and the Supreme Court had to lay aside their opinions and viewpoints and stick to what was law outlined by the Constitution. Individuals who responded in this way are the best examples of public ethics in the Watergate Scandal because they upheld the morals, values, and purposes of the Constitution by ensuring that even the President had to follow the laws and would be reprimanded if not. Worst Examples of Public Ethics in Watergate Scandal When researching the details of Watergate, it is obvious that the worst example of public ethics throughout the entire scandal was President Nixon. His role in this scandal was so unethical, that Fortune (2016) explains how the “gate” suffix is now used to name present day
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help