What was a key issue surrounding the Watergate scandal?

The Watergate scandal is fundamentally characterized by issues of abuse of power that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in 1972 and escalated into a major political controversy as investigations revealed a pattern of illegal activities aimed at covering up the administration's involvement.

Key to understanding this situation is the extent to which Nixon and his administration sought to undermine democratic processes and manipulate governmental institutions for political gain. This led to significant constitutional debates about the limits of presidential power, accountability, and the rule of law. The fallout from the scandal resulted in Nixon becoming the first president in U.S. history to resign from office on August 8, 1974, to avoid impeachment.

Given this context, the focus on abuse of power is critical, making it the core issue of the Watergate scandal, shaping public perception of the presidency and instigating reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in government.