Do You Know About Richard Nixon's Resignation?
Welcome to the Watergate Scandal Quiz! Test your knowledge of one of the most infamous political scandals in American history.
Challenge yourself with multiple-choice questions covering the scandal's origins, key players, investigation, and aftermath. Discover how the press, Department of Justice, and Senate Watergate Committee unraveled the administration's attempts to cover up its involvement. Learn about the pivotal role of the Oval Office tapes, which exposed Nixon's approval of the cover-up.
Explore the scandal's broader implications, as the term "Watergate" became synonymous with public and political scandal. Take the quiz now and see if you can recall the critical Read moredetails that shaped American history.
- 1.
When did the Watergate scandal take place?
- A.
1968 to 1970
- B.
1970 to 1972
- C.
1972 to 1974
- D.
1974 to 1976
Correct Answer
C. 1972 to 1974Explanation
The Watergate scandal took place from 1972 to 1974. This was a political scandal in the United States that involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the main reason behind the Watergate Scandal?
- A.
Attempted assassination of President Nixon
- B.
Break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters
- C.
Illegal campaign activities by the Committee for the Re-Election of the President
- D.
Wiretapping of the Oval Office
Correct Answer
B. Break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquartersExplanation
The main reason behind the Watergate Scandal was the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters. This event occurred on June 17, 1972, when five men were arrested for breaking into the DNC headquarters located in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The break-in was later revealed to be part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by members of the Nixon administration to gather intelligence and sabotage political opponents. The scandal ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation in 1974.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who succeeded Richard Nixon as President after his resignation?
- A.
Spiro Agnew
- B.
Gerald Ford
- C.
Jimmy Carter
- D.
Ronald Reagan
Correct Answer
B. Gerald FordExplanation
Gerald Ford succeeded Richard Nixon as President after his resignation. Following the Watergate scandal and Nixon's subsequent resignation, Ford, who was the Vice President at the time, assumed the presidency. He served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. Ford's presidency was marked by efforts to heal the nation after the turmoil of Watergate and restore public trust in the government.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What was the primary charge against Nixon in the articles of impeachment?
- A.
Obstruction of justice
- B.
Abuse of power
- C.
Contempt of Congress
- D.
Theft of classified information
Correct Answer
B. Abuse of powerExplanation
The primary charge against Nixon in the articles of impeachment was abuse of power. This refers to the misuse or excessive exercise of authority by a public official. In the case of Nixon, it specifically referred to his involvement in the Watergate scandal, where he authorized the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and attempted to cover up the illegal activities. This abuse of power was seen as a violation of his duties as President and a betrayal of the public's trust.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How many people were indicted in connection with the Watergate scandal?
- A.
25
- B.
48
- C.
69
- D.
93
Correct Answer
C. 69Explanation
69 people were indicted in connection with the Watergate scandal. This was a political scandal in the United States during the 1970s, which resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The indictments were a result of investigations into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, located in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The scandal involved various illegal activities, such as wiretapping, burglary, and campaign finance violations. The indictments included high-ranking government officials, members of Nixon's administration, and individuals involved in the planning and execution of the illegal activities.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the significance of the term "Watergate" in American politics?
- A.
It referred to the Democratic National Committee's new headquarters.
- B.
It was the code name for President Nixon's re-election campaign.
- C.
It became a metonym for political scandals and cover-ups.
- D.
It symbolized the end of the Cold War.
Correct Answer
C. It became a metonym for political scandals and cover-ups.Explanation
The term "Watergate" became a metonym for political scandals and cover-ups in American politics. This is because the Watergate scandal, which occurred in the early 1970s, involved the illegal activities of the Nixon administration, including the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex. The subsequent cover-up and the revelation of other abuses of power led to President Nixon's resignation and a loss of trust in the government. The term "Watergate" has since been used to refer to any political scandal or cover-up in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How did the Watergate scandal lead to Nixon's resignation?
- A.
He was impeached by the House of Representatives.
- B.
He was pardoned by the Senate.
- C.
He faced public protests demanding his resignation.
- D.
He resigned under the threat of impeachment.
Correct Answer
D. He resigned under the threat of impeachment.Explanation
During the Watergate scandal, evidence emerged that President Nixon had been involved in the cover-up of illegal activities, including the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that impeachment proceedings were imminent. Faced with the threat of impeachment and the likelihood of being removed from office, Nixon chose to resign. This decision was made to avoid the humiliation and potential legal consequences of impeachment.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did the Oval Office tapes reveal about President Nixon's involvement?
- A.
He had no knowledge of the break-in.
- B.
He approved plans to cover up his administration's involvement.
- C.
He immediately cooperated with the investigation.
- D.
He pardoned all the convicted individuals.
Correct Answer
B. He approved plans to cover up his administration's involvement.Explanation
The Oval Office tapes revealed that President Nixon approved plans to cover up his administration's involvement. This suggests that he was aware of the break-in and took steps to conceal his administration's role in it.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was the role of E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy in the Watergate scandal?
- A.
They were the leaders of the Democratic National Committee.
- B.
They were the chief architects of the Watergate break-in.
- C.
They were responsible for uncovering the scandal.
- D.
They were the attorneys representing President Nixon.
Correct Answer
B. They were the chief architects of the Watergate break-in.Explanation
E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy were the chief architects of the Watergate break-in. This means that they were the main individuals responsible for planning and executing the break-in at the Watergate complex, which ultimately led to the exposure of the Watergate scandal.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How did the scandal come to light?
- A.
A leak from a whistleblower
- B.
Journalistic investigation by The Washington Post
- C.
A public announcement by President Nixon
- D.
A confession from one of the burglars
Correct Answer
B. Journalistic investigation by The Washington PostExplanation
The scandal came to light through a journalistic investigation by The Washington Post. This suggests that the newspaper conducted its own research and uncovered information about the scandal, which it then reported to the public. This implies that the scandal was not initially known or publicly disclosed by any other means such as a leak, a public announcement by President Nixon, or a confession from one of the burglars.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jul 24, 2023Quiz Created by
Amit Mangal
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