power. It is fortunate our system of checks and balances as well as congressional oversight improved as a direct result of the abuse of power we experienced with Watergate. As we saw with the Iran Contra Affair the impact on policy formation was significant. Iran Contra was all about illegally using the military and intelligence elements to circumvent congressional restrictions on assisting the Contras in Nicaragua. Nixon would have been very pleased with North, and North would have gone to prison except for a presidential pardon. The familiarity with the Watergate scandal is incredible. In conclusion, one could say that the American people “grew up” from the Watergate scandal. The media assumed a greater watchdog role. Congress was reminded how important their position in balancing power was. The political movement of the nation may not have changed any more than it would have otherwise in the long run, but policy formation was affected. Watergate overall was a wonderful catalyst for reminding Americans what their country stood for.Finally, there has been a condemnation of the president and a focus on negative aspects of presidency. Granted that after President Nixon, America has had intelligent men in office, but we are no longer getting best of the best. America now has only the second best candidates in the White House because of the lack of respect and openly critical remarks made about the president. The brilliant more deserving men of the position do not even bother running because of what the press, the people and society does to the image if the president. Because Richard Nixon cheated the American people, it caused one giant domino effect of suspicion and distrust among major players in America as a whole. One thing lead to another and now politics is no longer as acclaimed as it once was. Notice now how almost every movie that has anything to do with politics involves some sinister politician wanting to ...
