Question I.2. In it's historical context, Watergate was not a surprising development when it is considered that Nixon was a paranoid personality capable of using any avenue to insure that his political objectives were attained. He had proved that early in his political career in his famous Checkers speech. By the early 70's however the nation had changed. It wasn't as easy to dupe the public with sappy speeches to explain away political indiscretions. The …showed first 75 words of 799 total…

…showed last 75 words of 799 total…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.