This is a question about the Watergate scandal. According to the history books, Nixon could have been impeached, but he resigned, and Ford pardoned him. I was reading the constitution earlier today, and came across the clause allowing the president the power to pardon "except in cases of impeachment". I asked my school's civics teacher about this specific case, and he confused me even more by making it sound like the Supreme Court saw an issue about if the vice president had the power to pardon, and gave him a freebie because the country would be embarrassed if their president was impeached. I need to get my facts straight.
My big question is: Was Nixon ever impeached? IF SO(and only if so), what did the supreme court say about the issue of Ford pardoning Nixon, even though it was clearly a "case of impeachment"? IF NOT, was he pardoned before or after he resigned?
This question has been bothering me all day, and I can't find the supreme court case on supremecourt.gov because of how disorganized it is.
This is on my own, not homework.
Any answer is appreciated. Thanks
My big question is: Was Nixon ever impeached? IF SO(and only if so), what did the supreme court say about the issue of Ford pardoning Nixon, even though it was clearly a "case of impeachment"? IF NOT, was he pardoned before or after he resigned?
This question has been bothering me all day, and I can't find the supreme court case on supremecourt.gov because of how disorganized it is.
This is on my own, not homework.
Any answer is appreciated. Thanks