key term - Saturday Night Massacre

Definition

The Saturday Night Massacre refers to a series of events that occurred on October 20, 1973, during the Watergate scandal, when President Richard Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox. This act sparked a constitutional crisis as it led to the resignations of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus, who both refused to carry out Nixon's order. The fallout from this event intensified the political turmoil surrounding the Watergate scandal and raised questions about presidential power and accountability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Saturday Night Massacre led to widespread public outrage and calls for Nixon's impeachment, as many viewed his actions as an abuse of power.
2. After Cox was fired, many in the Justice Department resigned in protest, demonstrating significant dissent within the government regarding Nixon's actions.
3. The event heightened tensions between Congress and the executive branch, leading to further investigations into Nixon's conduct and the Watergate scandal.
4. The Saturday Night Massacre is often seen as a turning point in public perception of Nixon, contributing to his eventual resignation in 1974.
5. Nixon’s attempt to dismiss Cox was ultimately unsuccessful in halting the investigation, as his successor eventually appointed a new special prosecutor.

Review Questions

• How did the Saturday Night Massacre affect public perception of President Nixon during the Watergate scandal?
  • The Saturday Night Massacre significantly damaged public perception of President Nixon by showcasing what many considered an abuse of presidential power. When Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox, it triggered widespread outrage and protests across the country. This event made it clear that there were serious ethical concerns regarding Nixon's administration and escalated calls for accountability, ultimately leading to his resignation.
• What were the implications of the resignations of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus during the Saturday Night Massacre?
  • The resignations of Elliot Richardson and William Ruckelshaus highlighted a profound moral crisis within the Justice Department in response to Nixon's orders. Their refusal to fire Cox emphasized their commitment to upholding the rule of law over loyalty to Nixon, which resonated with many Americans who valued integrity in government. These actions demonstrated that not all officials were willing to comply with potentially unlawful commands, further fueling public anger and prompting Congressional inquiries.
• Evaluate how the Saturday Night Massacre contributed to the broader constitutional crisis of the Watergate scandal and its impact on presidential powers moving forward.
  • The Saturday Night Massacre intensified the constitutional crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal by raising critical questions about presidential authority and accountability. Nixon's blatant dismissal of a special prosecutor tasked with investigating him was perceived as an encroachment on judicial independence and a challenge to checks and balances within the government. This event not only led to increased scrutiny and pressure for Nixon’s impeachment but also set important precedents regarding executive power, ultimately prompting reforms aimed at preventing such abuses in future administrations.

Related terms

Watergate Scandal:

A major political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts by members of the Nixon administration.

Archibald Cox: The special prosecutor appointed to investigate the Watergate scandal, known for his determination to uncover the truth behind the events.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be removed from office for committing 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' a central issue during the Watergate crisis.