U.S. v. Nixon (1974) -iCivics

Lesson Duration

From iCivics’ Landmark Library

Students will:

  • Describe basic events surrounding the Watergate break-in.
  • Explain the president’s privilege of confidentiality.
  • Identify the main arguments put forth in the case.
  • Describe the Supreme Court’s reasons for requiring Nixon to turn over his tapes.
  • Identify the tension between the president’s privilege and the needs of the criminal justice system.
  • Recognize that the president is not above the law.
  • Evaluate a president’s need for confidential communications.

“This library of mini-lessons targets a variety of landmark cases from the United States Supreme Court. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and a one-page activity, and is appropriate for a variety of uses. Unlike the iCivics lesson plans, these mini-lessons are designed for students to complete independently without the need for teacher direction. However, they also make great teacher-directed lessons or even class conversation-starters, and multiple mini-lessons can be combined to make a longer lesson.”

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iCivics is program that teaches core civics content through free lesson plans, online games, and interactive modules. Endorsed by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.