In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C. while trying to bug the offices and collect information about the upcoming election. The break-in led to a series of investigations that revealed a pattern of similar illegal activity. Then, officials in the Nixon administration were accused of abuse of power while attempting to cover up the break-in. As evidence, including audio recordings implicating Nixon in the cover-up, began to surface, impeachment proceedings began which forced Nixon to resign from office in 1974.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How do breaches of trust affect public perception?
Standards
Instructional Snapshot
The lesson opens with a short overview of the Watergate Scandal before students analyze political cartoons in groups, noting observations and questions. The teacher addresses misconceptions, then students discuss how each cartoon’s message may have influenced public trust in government. The class ends with students developing a claim that answers the compelling question based on their analysis. (For more download the PDF or Word document linked above.)
Formative Tasks
DELIBERATE: Work together to analyze five political cartoons, noting observations and lingering questions.
COLLABORATE: Identify the message of each cartoon and determine whether it increased or decreased trust in the U.S. government.
PRODUCE: Craft a claim that answers the compelling question.
Sources
Source A: Washington Post, “Nixon, with a money-bag for a face, carries a sign, ‘I am not a crook’”, 1974, Library of Congress
Source B: Herbert Block, “I'll tell you everything you need to know”, July 2, 1972, Library of Congress
Source C: Herb Block, “Late Returns”, May 18, 1973, Library of Congress
Source D: Herb Block, “Nixon Hanging Between the Tapes”, May 24, 1974, Library of Congress
Source E: Herb Block, “The Great Silence”, October 31, 1972, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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