Legacy of Watergate


Government: The watergate scandal had effected the whole country and changed the way we elect our government officials now. Presidents are no longer able to be indicted for crimes after they have left the office. The impeachment process was changed by the watergate scandal, elected officials could only be impeached if committed a crime only for personal or political gain. Also it set forth several new codes of conduct for all three branches of government. Lastly more than 70 white house assistants and cabinet members were accused of crimes of abuse of power. A pardon by his predecessor Gerald Ford made him immune to these crimes. Nixon and his cabinet crippled Republican party and at the upcoming elections Democrat Jimmy Carter took office by a landslide.

Media: The watergate scandal was a win for journalist across America. People believe Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took down the President through their investigative journalism. They said they had merely played a minor role in it. Their award winning book "All The President's Men" brought them much fame and even more after becoming a blockbuster hit. There investigative journalism for the Washington Post has inspired many journalist from then to today. Government statements will from then on be looked at with the utmost scrutiny.

Public: Cynicism came to its height after the watergate scandal, only 36% of americans said they still trusted the government. Now days in the public eye we expect the worst out all of the government, politics, and politicians. After military humiliation in Vietnam and then a President resignation for a cover up of thins he had done the trust in the American government by its own people was lost. The golden age for trust in America ended after Kennedy and has no come back yet.

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