Final answer:
The most notable pardon was when President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for any crimes associated with the Watergate scandal, marking the first time a president pardoned a former president. The correct choice of option is Ford pardoned Nixon.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the textbook, the most notable pardon was when President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon, for any crimes he committed or may have committed in relation to the Watergate scandal. This historical decision, while highly controversial and potentially costing Ford his reelection, was made under Ford's constitutional power to issue pardons.
The pardon of Nixon is discussed as being notable because it was the first time a sitting president used this power to pardon a former president, which added to the contentious political climate of the time and had a significant impact on public trust in government.