1. The Presidential Pardon
Ford’s decision and its impact

2. Today’s Objective After today’s lesson, students will be able to…
Explain how President Ford’s decision to pardon Richard Nixon impacted the Ford administration and the American public’s view of the government
Essential Skill:
State implications and consequences

3. What do they have in Common?
Confederate Soldiers (1865)
Vietnam War Draft Dodgers (1977)
Whiskey Rebels (1794)

4. Powers of the President
What is a pardon?
The act of forgiving a person of a crime
Article II, Section II of the Constitution
The President “shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”
How has President Obama used this power recently?
Non-violent drug offenders
Trivia of the Day:
Andrew Johnson utilized this power more than any other president
Pardoned more than 7,000 people

5. What do they have in Common?
Confederate Soldiers (1865)
Vietnam War Draft Dodgers (1977)
Whiskey Rebels (1794)

6. What do they have in Common?
Confederate Soldiers (1865)
Vietnam War Draft Dodgers (1977)
Whiskey Rebels (1794)
Richard Nixon (1974)

7. Watergate Review Burglary at Watergate Hotel, June 1972
Woodward and Bernstein
“Deep Throat” source
Senate investigation and tapes
Impeachment charges imminent
Hindering investigation, abusing power of the presidency, ignoring subpoena for tapes
Nixon resigned August 9, before impeachment

8. Watergate Conclusion The President was not above the law
System of checks & balances worked
Question that lingers:
What happens to Nixon?

9. Was Justice Served?
On September 8, 1974 – one month after Nixon’s resignation – President Ford pardons Richard Nixon in a speech to the American people
Listen to the speech and follow along with the transcript.
At the end of the speech, answer the questions as an individual
Once you have answered the questions, discuss them with your peers around you
Be prepared to share your answers

10. Political Cartoon
You are an American citizen on September 9, 1974 – the day after Ford pardons Nixon
Create a political cartoon that depicts how you may have felt at this time…keeping in mind the following events:
Watergate
Ford’s Pardon

11. Today’s Objective After today’s lesson, students will be able to…
Explain how President Ford’s decision to pardon Richard Nixon impacted the Ford administration and the American public’s view of the government
Essential Skill:
State implications and consequences

12. Conclusion Impact of Ford’s Pardon
Ford Presidential approval ratings plummet and hinder his effectiveness
71% in August 1974
42% in October 1974
American citizens harbor distrust for the government and those they label as “D.C. insiders”
Leads to the election of Jimmy Carter – the former governor of Georgia