Republican; during the Cold War Nixon believed in focusing money towards states through his system of New Federalism. Efforts to address environmental concerns led to the creation of Environmental Protection Agency and Clean Air Act and educational issues passed Title IX to allow women to participate in collegiate sports. Even though Nixon was elected in 1968 and took office in 1969 with the goal of restructuring the American government but his major policies occurred during the American fight in the Cold War in the 70s. With growing tensions during the Cold War and neutral ties with the Republic of China, Nixon launched détente with the Soviet Union and soon led to SALT I and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty to increase further protection. Anti-war protests during the Vietnam War halted American involvement with Nixon's policy of Vietnamization to decrease the amount of troops in Vietnam and Paris Peace Accords. Even though Nixon made great efforts to assist the American role in the Cold War, his Watergate Scandal led to his resignation before the government could impeach him.
Republican; with an ongoing Vietnam War, scandals, and resignation of Nixon, Ford was elected President unexpectedly. With a decline in American economy and increasing inflation his attempt to relieve the nation with his Whip Inflation Now campaign failed but successfully passed the Education for All Handicapped Children was accepted. A major flaw and mistake Ford did towards the American nation was pardoning Nixon of his Watergate scandal. Regardless of this mistake Ford continued to issue détente against the Soviets (Helsinki Accords) and officially ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam after the collapse of South Vietnam.
Democrat; Carter's presidency witnessed issues regarding energy costs and increasing unemployment so he focused on the deregulation of airline, trucking, railroads, and conservation of national energy. A president who was eager to please any nation or opponent and avoid tensions, Carter's foreign affair of the Camp David Accords, Panama Canal Treaty, and SALT II defined his administration. His presidency came to an ironic end with his efforts in the Iranian Hostage Crisis release after his term ended and Reagan's presidency began.