What was the impact of the Watergate scandal on American politics?
The impact of Watergate on American Politics was felt on multiple levels. The most elemental of these was how the news media evolved into the “fourth check” on the government. From Watergate, politicians understood that the media could be strong enough to bring down a government. Essentially, Woodward and Bernstein’s reporting took down a sitting President. Through Watergate, the office of the President, and all politicians, understood the power of the media. Another impact of Watergate was that it was living proof that no politician could operate for a prolonged period of time above the law. Power could not save President Nixon and his cabinet from facing impeachment, and eventual resignation/ prison terms. The Constitution’s belief of equality before the law was affirmed through Watergate. The last impact of Watergate was that politicians understood the value of judicious conduct. President Nixon and his cabinet operated in a manner that was brazen to the point of arrogance. This is
