Short Answer 
The Watergate scandal, which emerged during the 1972 Presidential Election, involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee and led to serious allegations against President Nixon. His partial disclosure of tapes and subsequent resignation in 1974 highlighted the need for accountability in government and resulted in significant changes to campaign regulations and political ethics.
Step 1: Understanding the Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal emerged during the 1972 Presidential Election and involved a series of political events that raised serious allegations against President Richard Nixon. It centered around a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex and subsequent cover-up efforts. The scandal has been pivotal in shaping public trust in government and the concept of accountability for elected officials.
Step 2: Nixon’s Partial Disclosure
In light of the investigations that followed, President Nixon agreed to disclose some of the Watergate tapes, which were recorded conversations that took place in the Oval Office. However, the special prosecutor assigned to the case indicated that he would not accept the partial tapes. This refusal underscored the belief that full transparency was necessary for a fair investigation and to uphold justice.
Step 3: Consequences of the Scandal
The fallout from the Watergate scandal was profound, culminating in President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. His resignation was seen as a preemptive measure to avoid formal accusations of wrongdoing. This landmark episode in U.S. history illustrated the importance of accountability and led to significant changes in campaign regulations and ethics in politics.