Discuss the impact of Watergate on Nixon’s domestic policy programme.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review as to the impact of the Watergate scandal on the domestic policy programme of President Nixon. Nixon’s first term was successful in expanding many social programmes such as Medicaid and Social Security as well as passing many environmental initiatives. Watergate became a dominant event in Nixon’s second term until, facing the likelihood of impeachment, he resigned in 1974. Issues, such as the firing of the Watergate Special Prosecutor, Archibald Cox, questions over the release of the Watergate tapes, testimony as to Nixon’s participation in the cover-up and his use of illegal practices against political opponents dominated the second term. It may be argued that foreign policy, particularly public unrest over the war in Vietnam and escalation of the war into Cambodia and Laos were the key reasons for a limited domestic agenda after the first term.