Question

which best summarizes the outcome of the watergate scandal?

• nixon narrowly avoided being removed from office, and the remainder of his presidency was marked by weakness and conflict.
• nixon was impeached by congress, and ford assumed the presidency but was soon dragged down by his own involvement in the scandal.
• nixon was impeached by congress; ford pardoned nixon, then went before congress to justify his decision.
• nixon resigned to avoid impeachment; ford pardoned nixon, then went before congress to justify his decision.

Explanation:

The Watergate scandal led to impeachment proceedings against Nixon. To avoid certain impeachment and removal from office, Nixon resigned in 1974. Gerald Ford, who became president after Nixon's resignation, issued a full pardon to Nixon for any crimes he may have committed related to Watergate, and later addressed Congress to explain his decision. The other options are incorrect: Nixon did not avoid removal by staying in office, he was not impeached (he resigned before a full impeachment vote), and Ford was not involved in the scandal himself.

Answer:

D. Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.