Final answer:
Muckraking is a term used to describe investigative journalism that exposes governmental and business corruption, prominent during the Progressive Era and embodied in the Watergate investigations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Investigative journalism designed to expose wrongdoing is commonly referred to as muckraking. The term muckraker was originally a derogative nickname given to journalists who were focused on uncovering corruption and other hidden threats to the well-being of society. These journalists played a crucial role during the Progressive Era, a period of American history between 1890 and 1920, when their reporting on corrupt business and government practices led to widespread reform and the implementation of protective laws such as the Pure Food and Drug Act. The classic example of this kind of journalism is the Watergate investigations which led to the resignation of President Nixon. While the golden age of muckraking has passed, and the digital age poses new challenges, the impact of these journalists on American society and politics remains a testament to the power of the press in advocating for truth and accountability.