What impact did the Watergate scandal have on American politics?

The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on American politics, primarily characterized by widespread distrust in government and the significant political fallout that culminated in the resignation of President Nixon. The scandal revealed extensive abuse of power within the executive branch and a systematic attempt to cover up misconduct, which shattered the American public’s faith in government officials and institutions. Following the revelations of the scandal, many Americans felt disillusioned and skeptical about the integrity of their leaders, leading to a long-lasting impact on the political landscape. The resignation of President Nixon in 1974 was unprecedented and marked the first time a sitting president had left office under such circumstances, further emphasizing the crisis of confidence in government.

While the scandal did lead to some regulatory changes in campaign finance and reforms aimed at increasing transparency, the immediate and overarching sentiment among the public was one of distrust rather than renewed faith in democratic processes or voter engagement.