Answer:
Nixon initially refused to release the tapes, putting two reasons forward: first, that the Constitutional principle of executive privilege extends to the tapes and citing the separation of powers and checks and balances within the Constitution, and second, claiming they were vital to national security.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exactly 50 years ago, a White House aide revealed that then-President Nixon's conversations had been taped. The Watergate tapes included audio of Nixon working to cover up the Watergate break-in connected to his campaign and became a point of no return for him as he slid to political downfall.