What Was the Watergate Scandal?

10. Impeachment and Resignation

In 1974, Congress began the process of formally impeaching Nixon. That involves a specific process laid out in the Constitution by which Congress can bring formal charges against an elected official and, if the official is found guilty, can punish him. The punishments can include removal from office, which was Congress's plan for Nixon. The House Judiciary Committee passed the first articles of impeachment in July, and it was nearly guaranteed that Nixon would eventually be convicted. Instead of going through that process, he formally resigned from the presidency on August 8, 1974, which effectively ended the investigation against him. Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as president on the same day. A total of 69 people had charges brought against them during the Watergate investigation, with 48 being convicted of various criminal acts.

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