Watergate: National Outrage, Constitutional Crisis, and the Reform of Executive Power
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In the early 1970s, the Watergate scandal exposed deep corruption at the highest level of the U.S. government.
What began as a political break-in quickly became a national constitutional crisis.
Before Watergate, Americans largely trusted their government and accepted strong presidential authority, especially during the Cold War.
Few limits existed to check presidential secrecy or abuse of power.
(White House Historical Association, 1974)
As investigations unfolded, the nation reacted with shock, anger, and growing distrust.
Televised hearings, investigative journalism, and court battles brought the scandal into American living rooms.
(University of Michigan Library, 2012)
The courts were forced to confront a critical question:
Is the president above the law?
The answer would permanently reshape executive power.
(Politico, 2019)
Watergate did more than end a presidency.
It changed how Americans viewed government, accountability, and democracy itself.
Sasha Gharios
Watergate: National Outrage, Constitutional Crisis, and the Reform of Executive Power
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