Terms

1. Presaged -  to anticipate that something is going to happen

2. Sage - a profoundly wise man

3. Scrutiny - critical observation or examination

4. Corruption - dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power

5. Watergate scandal - a political scandal during the 1970s in the United States resulting from the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex by 5 burglars. Effects of the scandal ultimately led to the resignation of the President Nixon, on August 9, 1974, the first and only resignation of any U.S. President.

6. Era - a long and distinct period of time

7. Afflict - to cause pain or suffering (of a problem or illness)

8. Watchdog - maintaining surveillance over a person, activity, or situation; (ex: monitoring the practices of companies)

9. Faux watchdogism - false monitoring

10. Pandering - gratify or indulge (an immortal/distasteful desire, need, or habit of a person)

11. Fourth estate - the press; the profession of journalism

12. BulWark of Liberty - a fortification; outwork that secures and defends liberty

13. James Madison - an American political and political philosopher who served as the fourth president of the U.S

14. Talking point - a topic that invites discussion or argument 

       * get the "real story" and not the "talking point"
15. Determinate - having exact or discernable limit or form

16. Relevant - closely connected or appropriate

17. Complacency - a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

18. Subsuming - to include or absorb (something) into something else

19. Assailed - to make a violent attack on 

20. Reticent - not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

21. Sovereign - a supreme ruler (n) or possessing supreme power (adj) 

21. Empowered - give (someone) the authority/power to do something