Presidential scandals in american history worksheet – Embark on an in-depth journey through presidential scandals in American history with this comprehensive worksheet. Dive into the intricacies of these controversies that have shaped the nation’s political landscape, leaving an indelible mark on public trust and the legacy of its leaders.

From the infamous Watergate scandal to the recent Monica Lewinsky affair, this worksheet delves into the key events, figures, and ramifications of these pivotal moments. Explore the political machinations, legal implications, and lasting impact of these scandals, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance in American history.

Watergate Scandal

The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States during the presidency of Richard Nixon. The scandal began with the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.,

on June 17, 1972. The break-in was carried out by operatives of the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CRP), Nixon’s re-election campaign. The scandal eventually led to Nixon’s resignation on August 9, 1974.

The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on American politics and public trust. The scandal led to a loss of confidence in the government and a decline in public trust in politicians. The scandal also led to a number of reforms, including the creation of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force and the passage of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Key Events and Figures

• June 17, 1972: The break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex.
• June 18, 1972: The arrest of five men connected to the break-in.
• July 15, 1972: The Washington Post publishes a story about the break-in, linking it to the CRP.
• August 9, 1974: Nixon resigns from office.

Political and Legal Ramifications

• The Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Nixon.
• The scandal also led to the conviction of several top Nixon aides, including H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Mitchell.
• The scandal led to a loss of confidence in the government and a decline in public trust in politicians.

Impact on American Politics and Public Trust

• The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on American politics and public trust.
• The scandal led to a number of reforms, including the creation of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force and the passage of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
• The scandal also led to a decline in public trust in politicians and a loss of confidence in the government.

Iran-Contra Affair

The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal that occurred during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The scandal began with the sale of arms to Iran, which was then under an arms embargo by the United States. The proceeds from the arms sales were then diverted to the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the government of Nicaragua.

The Iran-Contra affair had a number of negative consequences for the Reagan administration. The scandal led to the resignation of several top Reagan aides, including National Security Advisor John Poindexter and Chief of Staff Donald Regan. The scandal also led to a decline in public trust in the Reagan administration.

Motivations and Actions of Key Players

• The Reagan administration believed that selling arms to Iran would help secure the release of American hostages held by Hezbollah, a Lebanese terrorist group.
• The Contras were a rebel group fighting against the government of Nicaragua. The Reagan administration believed that supporting the Contras would help to promote democracy in Nicaragua.
• The diversion of funds from the arms sales to the Contras was illegal. The Reagan administration knew that the diversion was illegal, but they did it anyway.

Legal and Ethical Implications, Presidential scandals in american history worksheet

• The Iran-Contra affair was a violation of the Arms Export Control Act, which prohibits the sale of arms to countries that are under an arms embargo by the United States.
• The diversion of funds from the arms sales to the Contras was a violation of the Boland Amendment, which prohibited the Reagan administration from providing military assistance to the Contras.
• The Reagan administration lied to Congress about its involvement in the Iran-Contra affair.

Monica Lewinsky Scandal: Presidential Scandals In American History Worksheet

The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a political scandal that occurred during the presidency of Bill Clinton. The scandal began with the revelation that Clinton had engaged in an extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. The scandal eventually led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House of Representatives, although he was acquitted by the Senate.

The Monica Lewinsky scandal had a number of negative consequences for the Clinton presidency. The scandal led to a decline in public trust in Clinton and a loss of support for his policies. The scandal also led to a number of investigations, including an independent counsel investigation led by Kenneth Starr.

Events Leading Up to and Including the Scandal

• 1995: Monica Lewinsky begins working as an intern at the White House.
• 1996: Clinton begins an extramarital affair with Lewinsky.
• 1998: Lewinsky is subpoenaed to testify in the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit against Clinton.
• 1998: Clinton testifies under oath that he did not have a sexual relationship with Lewinsky.
• 1998: Independent counsel Kenneth Starr releases a report on his investigation of the Lewinsky scandal. The report concludes that Clinton committed perjury and obstruction of justice.
• 1998: The House of Representatives impeaches Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
• 1999: The Senate acquits Clinton on both charges.

Role of the Media

• The Monica Lewinsky scandal was one of the most heavily covered political scandals in American history.
• The media played a major role in the scandal, both in terms of reporting on the story and in shaping public opinion.
• The media’s coverage of the scandal was often sensationalistic and biased.

Political and Personal Consequences for President Clinton

• The Monica Lewinsky scandal had a number of negative consequences for President Clinton.
• The scandal led to a decline in public trust in Clinton and a loss of support for his policies.
• The scandal also led to a number of investigations, including an independent counsel investigation led by Kenneth Starr.
• The scandal led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House of Representatives, although he was acquitted by the Senate.

FAQ Corner

What is the significance of the Watergate scandal?

The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It involved the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex and the subsequent cover-up of the incident by the Nixon administration.

What were the key figures involved in the Iran-Contra affair?

The key figures involved in the Iran-Contra affair included President Ronald Reagan, National Security Advisor John Poindexter, and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North. They were involved in a secret arms deal with Iran, in which the United States sold weapons to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages held in Lebanon.

What was the role of the media in the Monica Lewinsky scandal?

The media played a significant role in the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The story was first reported by the Drudge Report, an online news outlet, and was later picked up by major news organizations. The media’s coverage of the scandal led to increased public scrutiny of President Clinton and his administration.