Analysis: The Watergate Scandal

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This essay will explore numerous acts of political misbehavior such as bribery, deceit, obstruction of justice and breaches of public trust in the Canadian Senate scandal, which follows the path of Watergate. Richard Nixon, a name no longer praised among the American people was forced to resign as President of the United States of America; a disgrace to a nation’s democratic values in the wake of Watergate. The Watergate scandal occurred in 1970, but official news broke in June 1972 after a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. President Nixon’s administration partook in numerous illegal activities such as bugging the offices of political opponents, harassment of activist …show more content…
The Watergate scandal is a clear demonstration of unethical behaviour, a severe abuse of power as well as a complete disregard for mutual respect. Mutual respect is defined as “the foundation for honesty, trust and meaningful communication” and must apply to those inside and outside the political sphere. In an article written by Green and Shugarman titled Honest Politics, one’s abuse of trust be it from a politician or ordinary citizen is considered to be an unethical act that is part of democracy’s foundation.” The Watergate scandal violated many pillars of a democracy and in the case of the United States, undermined the ability of parties to be able to make informed decisions in regards to day to day life as well as electoral politics. There are at least six concrete pillars of democracy and in the case of Nixon and the White House staff; one’s freedom of expression and integrity was violated. During the entirety of the investigation into the Watergate affair, Nixon and his associates did not demonstrate “honesty or concern for fellow human beings” nor did they demonstrate these qualities when deciding to partake in illegal activities, lie, cheat, use government finances and then attempt to cover up their acts and silence those who knew of the