"Neither the doctrine of separation of powers nor the need for confidentiality of high-level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances."
—United States v. Nixon, 1974
Which of the following was a direct historical result of the Supreme Court decision excerpted above?
- AThe passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to expand military authority in Vietnam
- BThe creation of containment policies to stop the global spread of communism
- The release of White House audio recordings that led to the resignation of President Richard NixonAnswer
- DThe establishment of the Social Security Administration as part of the Great Society
Answer
The release of White House audio recordings that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon
The correct answer is correct because the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Nixon rejected the president's claim of absolute executive privilege, forcing the release of the Watergate tapes. The content of these tapes proved Nixon's involvement in the Watergate cover-up, leading to his imminent impeachment and subsequent resignation.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Watergate scandal and constitutional limits on executive power