President Nixon enjoyed many successes during his first term. He created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at a time when it was needed. He also created the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) to protect workers. He created the precursor to affirmative action in what was called the Philadelphia Plan which required government contractors to hire minorities.

Under President Nixon‟s Administration, the economy had improved and foreign policy became a legacy as the United States‟ relationship with China and the Soviet Union had improved. Peace in Viet Nam had also become within reach. With all of the successes during his first term, President Nixon easily won re-election carrying every state except Massachusetts and District of Columbia.

Although President Nixon had gained much support from the American people, Democrats still controlled both houses of Congress and the 1972 campaign may have planted the seeds that would bring down the Nixon Presidency. The headquarters of the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate office complex was burglarized which led to the widespread perception of civil and criminal misconduct by the Nixon Administration and re-election campaign. This was further aggravated by an earlier scandal involving Vice President Agnew, who resigned after being convicted of tax evasion.

The Democratic controlled Congress began impeachment proceedings but President Nixon resigned in 1974 before actually being impeached. Newly appointed Vice President Ford took office and pardoned Nixon. This would be a deal breaker with the voters during President Ford‟s re-election campaign. In 1976, Jimmy Carter won but would only remain President for one term before Ronald Reagan would defeat him in 1980.