Why did Nixon resign from office?

Answer 1

Following the Watergate scandal which clearly involved him, President Richard Nixon chose to resign rather than face upcoming impeachment actions and a forced removal from office. After his resignation, his former vice president who assumed the office, Gerald Ford issued a pardon which Nixon accepted.

Answer 2

The press and public began to view Nixon’s administration and activities as “the Imperial Presidency” because Nixon and his advisors became so arrogant in their possession of power. They seemed to believe they were above the law. Nixon even went so far as to claim that if something was done by the president, that means it was not illegal. The public began to distrust the power that had been amassed in the office of the Executive. The separation of powers did not seem to be working as designed by the Founding Fathers. The House of Representatives was in the process of drawing up articles of impeachment. Nixon was advised by his closest political associates that an impeachment trial would probably result in the President being removed from office. To avoid that, Richard Nixon decided to resign. The resignation of the President was confirmation that the Constitution was working, and even the President was not above the law.