Module 13 Discussion: Should Nixon be Pardoned?

Should Ford Have Pardoned Nixon?

Gerald Ford, a leader of the Republicans in the House of Representatives, was approved by the Senate to serve as Richard Nixon’s vice-president when its initial occupant, Spiro Agnew, resigned. As Nixon’s participation in the Watergate scandal became clearer and impeachment was imminent, he resigned. This made Ford, who the public had elected neither president nor vice-president, the most powerful man in the country. A month into his presidency, Ford issued a pardon for Nixon before any criminal charges could commence. From that day to this, political pundits and historians have questioned whether Ford took the correct course of action.

Step 1: First, learn more about the pardon. You can find lots of good primary sources about the Nixon pardon—including many that are very critical of President Ford’s decision—at the website for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. Of particular interest are:

Step 2: In the discussion forum, answer the following prompt:

  • Select one of four responses to the question “should President Ford have pardoned President Nixon?”:
    • Yes
    • No
    • Yes, but…
    • No, but…

In a short paragraph, explain your reasoning, informed by your overall understanding of the 1970s from the text. Defend your answer with evidence.

If you use outside sources your classmates may not be familiar with, please include a link so that your ideas can be traced. Be an active thinker, and put your own analysis, experiences, and understanding of history to work in this activity.

Step 3: Respond to two responses by students who took a different position than you. (Yes and Yes—but may be considered different positions, as might No and No—but).

In your reply, evaluate your peers’ arguments. In doing so, consider which groups of Americans might be likely to disagree with this point of view, and consider what the long-term consequences might be—either for Ford personally or for the United States as a whole.

Discussion Grading Rubric:

Criteria Poor Good Excellent Points
On-topic responses Response is off-topic or tangential to the theme. (0-1) Response addresses the topic at hand and is written in lucid, complete sentences. (1-2) Response shows an understanding of cause and effect, and is chosen with an awareness of other unfolding events in this module and/or previous modules (2)

 

  

____/2
Supporting

Justification

 

 The response does not show an awareness of the primary sources assigned or this module of the course. (0-1) The response shows a cursory understanding of this module of the course. The arguments are based more on what is presumed “right” and “wrong” without being tempered by an understanding of the 1970s. (2-3) Response shows a close and careful reading of the primary sources, and a sense of how Watergate impacted the entire country. (4)  

____/4
Feedback and Response Response is not premised on a fair and close reading of their fellow student’s work, or makes ad hominem or inappropriate remarks.  (0-2) Response is vague in its praise or critique, and is not constructive in helping their peer develop a better answer. (3) Response considers the fellow student’s answer in light of the political and social context outlined in the text. (4)  

____/4
 

_____/10