Which best summarizes the outcome of the Watergate scandal? A. Nixon narrowly avoided being removed from office, and the remainder of his presidency was marked by weakness and conflict.
B. Nixon was impeached by Congress, and Ford assumed the presidency but was soon dragged down by his own involvement in the scandal.
C. Nixon was impeached by Congress; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.
D. Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.
The correct answer is D. Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment; Ford pardoned Nixon, then went before Congress to justify his decision.
Explanation: The Watergate scandal led President Richard Nixon to resign in 1974 to avoid impeachment by Congress due to the unfolding evidence of his involvement in the cover-up of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. After Nixon resigned, President Gerald Ford pardoned him, which sparked significant controversy and debate, and Ford later explained his decision to Congress as necessary for the nation to move forward. This summary captures the key events and their significance in American political history.