Watergate

The following questions appear onscreen in the video. Feel free to integrate them into your lesson plan as needed.

 
Part I
Questions to consider before watching the video:

• As you watch the program, think about why the Watergate scandal took place. How does it compare to other scandals in recent history?
• What attitudes and beliefs of the president and his staff led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up?
• What revelations led to President Nixon's resignation?

Questions to consider after watching the video:

• Analyze the role of the press during political scandals such as Watergate.
• How did Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the Watergate story and keep it alive?
• Debate how reporters should balance respect for the role of the government with the public's right to know.

Suggested activity

• Research President Nixon's foreign policies with China and the Soviet Union.
• Compare Nixon's accomplishments with his failures and debate his overall success as president.

 
 
Part II
Questions to consider before watching the video:

• What do you know about the effects and consequences of Watergate?
• How did it affect President Nixon's place in history?
• How did it change the way Americans feel about their government?
• Think about why Watergate is still important to Americans.

Questions to consider after watching the video:

• The identity of "Deep Throat" remains a big mystery. Discuss the responsibility of journalists to protect their sources.
• Which techniques being used to identify Deep Throat seem most likely to reveal his identity?

Suggested activity

• Read Woodward and Bernstein's All The President's Men or watch the film starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. Write a book or film review.