U.S History-3
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University Of Detroit Mercy *
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101
Subject
Political Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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2
Uploaded by DeanFang12720
U.S. History
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Assignment 13.2: Watergate Primary Sources
11 Points
Directions:
In lesson 13.2 you learned about Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate Scandal. For this assignment, we will be
analyzing two primary sources from Watergate.
Part 1:
You will first read the primary source document from
PBS NewsHour.
Then answer questions 1-6 below. Answers are
worth 1 point each.
Watergate Primary Source Worksheet I. U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
1.
What were the three reasons that Nixon gave for refusing to turn over the White House tapes?
President Nixon argued that the courts lacked the power to compel production of the tapes. He asserted that
because the dispute was between the president and the special prosecutor, it was purely an executive branch conflict
not subject to judicial resolution. He also argued that it was for the president, not the courts, to ascertain the scope of
the executive privilege. Finally, President Nixon contended that even if the Court were the proper branch to decide the
scope of the privilege, the need for executive confidentiality justified the application of the privilege in this case.
2.
What do these reasons illustrate about Nixon’s understanding of the division of power within the federal
government?
Nixon's reasons demonstrate his belief in the presidency's strong power and his desire to shield himself
from being held accountable by Congress or the courts. He believed that in order to protect the executive
branch's independence and effectiveness, he had the right to withhold information from other branches of
government.
3.
How did Nixon’s argument illustrate his ideas about the power of the presidency?
Nixon's argument demonstrated his belief that the President possesses nearly unlimited authority to conduct national
affairs without interference from other branches of government. He believed that executive privilege gave him the authority
to withhold information from Congress or the courts if he thought it was necessary.
4.
What did Chief Justice Burger say about the origins of executive privilege? How does this origin justify his decision
about Nixon releasing the tapes?
According to Chief Justice Burger, executive privilege stems from the doctrine of separation of powers and is
required to ensure the executive branch's effective functioning. He contended that the Constitution grants the
President certain powers, including the ability to keep communications with advisers private, in order for him to
carry out his duties.
5.
Explain Burger’s statement, “A President and those who assist him must be free to explore alternatives in a way
many would be unwilling to express except privately.” How did the court interpret executive privilege?
Burger's statement implies that the President requires private conversations in order to consider various options
and make informed decisions. The court interpreted executive privilege as a qualified privilege that can be waived
if there is a compelling need for the information, such as in a criminal investigation.
6.
Do you agree with this analysis that United States v. Nixon expanded the power of the presidency? Why or why not?
I don’t really know what to think to be honest. The Government is a very secure place and I do believe the president
should have some secrecy about what he does to other people because of his power in our country. But, I also
understand how there is a separation of power and no one branch of Government is Absolute power. I think it's very
hard to tell, but I think Nixon did the right thing in resigning.
Part 2:
To help you answer questions 7-11, read the transcript below between Nixon and Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman.
Answers are worth 1 point each.
Transcript of White House Tapes, June 23, 1972 – conversation between President Nixon and Chief of Staff H.R.
Haldeman
.
(Note: Pat Gray is the Acting Director of the FBI, and Mark Felt is the Associate Director of the FBI. Helms
is the Director of the CIA and Walters is the Deputy Director of the CIA)
7.
Haldeman tells Nixon, “The FBI is not under control.” Why does the FBI need to be controlled?
It needs to be controlled because there are some things that shouldn’t be investigated because they might cause
more destruction than help.
8.
What is Nixon’s plan for dealing with the FBI’s investigation of the Watergate break-in?
He wants to tell Pat Gray to get out of this business and stop investigating because this is a business.
9.
What does this excerpt imply about the relationship between the FBI and the CIA?
I think it Implies that they are told what to do and are influenced by Government officials.(Ddidn’t understand this
question)
10.
What does this tape reveal about Nixon’s view of his power as the president?
It reveals that Nixon was trying to obstruct justice because of his power in the government which is very corrupt.
11.
Why is this tape called the “Smoking Gun” tape?
Because it provides clear evidence that Nixon participated in a cover-up in the Watergate Scandal.
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