Acts following Watergate

Effects of Watergate Scandal

Period: Jan 1, 1970 to Dec 31, 1990

House and Senate Open Meeting Rules 1973

Mar 28, 1973

Open Congressional committee meetings to the public unless a majority of the panel voted in to be private.

The Wars Powers Act (Reformed)

Nov 7, 1973

Increases congressional influence in decisions made by the executive branch concerning foreign policy. The president could not engage in war for more than sixty days without the approval of congress.

Freedom of Information Act

Mar 14, 1974

The people of the United States must be able to access government information (documents, records, etc.)

Privacy Act of 1974

Dec 31, 1974

Restricts the authority of agencies to collect information on individuals.

FBI Domestic Security Investigation Guidelines in 1976

Apr 5, 1976

Restricts political intelligence-gathering activities of the FBI.

Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976

Sep 13, 1976

Required opening meetings of government agencies to the public.

Congressional Ethics Code of 1977

Jan 4, 1977

Sets standards of conduct and limits congressional outside earned income, gifts, and honoraria fees. Led to the formation of the House and Senate Ethics committees.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977

May 5, 1977

Prohibits American companies from bribing foreign officials, political parties, or politicians.

Ethics in Government Act of 1978

Jun 27, 1978

Requires financial disclosure by government officials in all three branches of federal government.

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978

Oct 25, 1978

Regulates electronic surveillance conducted within the United States for foreign intelligence purposes.

Independent Counsel

Oct 26, 1978

Nominated two counsels in order to investigate possible wrongdoing in the executive branch for the future.

Intelligence Authorization Act of 1980

Jul 28, 1980

Requires the Executive Branch to keep the Senate and House Intelligence Committees informed of all US intelligence house activities.

Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

Jul 9, 1989

A whistleblower is someone who tells the public about alleged illegal activities occurring in the government department. Federal law that protects federal whistleblowers who work for the government and report agency misconduct.