Question

What bargain did many Americans suspect had been made between presidents Nixon and Ford?
that Ford had taken the blame for Watergate in return for becoming president
that Ford had served out Nixon’s term in return for a term of his own
that Nixon had resigned with the understanding that Ford would pardon him
that Nixon’s impeachment had resulted in Ford’s assumption of the presidency

Answer 1

that Nixon had resigned with the understanding that Ford would pardon him

Many Americans believed there had been a deal—that Nixon resigned expecting Ford would grant him a pardon, which Ford did on September 8, 1974, prompting public outrage and suspicion.