Watergate

Definition

Watergate was a major political scandal in the early 1970s that stemmed from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's subsequent attempts to cover up its involvement. The scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and has since become synonymous with political corruption and abuse of power.

Related terms

Political Corruption: Acts by government officials that violate their public duties for personal gain or advantage.

Abuse of Power: When an official uses their governmental powers in illegitimate or unethical ways for personal benefit.

Impeachment:

A formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, which can lead to removal from office if found guilty