Richard Nixon's Presidency: Challenges, Tactics, and Legacy

Task:

He believed the United States faced grave dangers from the radicals and dissidents who were challenging his policies, and he came to view any challenge as a "threat to national security." As a result, he created a climate in which he and those who served him could justify almost any tactics to stifle dissent and undermine the opposition. He has been described as being a devious, secretive, and embittered man whose White House became a series of covert activities.

Some Americans viewed this as an indication that the system worked. They were proud of the way the US political system had weathered the crisis and peacefully transferred power. Others worried about the further erosion of popular trust and belief in their government. Regardless, when he left office the nation remembered an administration that had been discredited by the Agnew and Watergate scandals. Watergate has come to define Nixon's presidency. In order to prepare for this discussion forum: Review and identify the relevant sections of Chapter 30 that support your discussion.

As you read them to consider what the conversations reveal, about the casual use of federal agencies for political purposes. Review the discussion on the Nixons' "so-called "imperial Presidency" at this PBS site The American President: Richard Nixon Digital History: Restraining the Imperial Presidency Identify one source that addresses the topic you choose to discuss. The source must be cited in your discussion. Additional recommended reading: Read Chapter 1 of the book All the President's Men available at this link. I also recommend the that you watch the 1976 film version.  following questions: Evaluate Richard Nixon's presidency. Aside from Watergate, should he be considered a good president? In his 1973 book The Imperial Presidency, Arthur J. Schlesinger raised the argument that the Presidency has been evolving to the point that it was out of control, and was exceeding its constitutional limits. Do you agree or disagree with his arguments? Discussion Forum Grading Information