How did Watergate effect Americans?

Answer 1

It turned out that the arrest of five men on 17 June 1972 who were trying to install electronic listening devices in the Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC was just one of several surreptitious activities sponsored by the Nixon Administration. Nixon’s aides had also engineered the burglary of a Los Angeles psychiatrist’s office to try and obtain damaging information about Daniel Ellsberg, a Defense Department employee who leaked the Pentagon Papers, revealing the activities of the administration regarding Vietnam. The press and public began to view Nixon’s administration and activities as “the Imperial Presidency” because Nixon and his advisors became so arrogant in their possession of power. They seemed to believe they were above the law. Nixon even went so far as to claim that if something was done by the president, that means it was not illegal. The public began to distrust the power that had been amassed in the office of the Executive. The separation of powers did not seem to be working as designed by the Founding Fathers. Others saw the resignation of the president of confirmation that the Constitution was working, and even the President was not above the law. The Watergate Affair also served as a civics lesson to the public. Many began to pay close attention to their representatives and to begin to question the leaders in Washington and in local and state offices. An immediate effect was a closer examination of the activities of the executive office by the legislative and judicial branches.

Answer 2

The 60's had been characterized by a generation of young people distrusting the government. That attitude was strenthened as the 'baby boomers' matured into adults in education and business. When we learned that the president could not be trusted, but broke into the opposing party's headquarters to steal their ideas, it was like proof that our distrust was correct. Watergate corroded America's blind trust in government leadership and honesty.

Answer 3

Most directly, President Nixon resigned.

However, Watergate also contributed to public distrust of government and fear by the people that the government was doing sneaky things behind their backs.

Answer 4

We as Americans should always stay sober and realize that politicians are people too.