Final answer:
The Watergate scandal led to Congress passing reforms limiting presidential powers and caused an erosion of public trust in government. Several Nixon aides were indicted and sentenced to prison, highlighting the legal consequences of the scandal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Watergate scandal had profound and long-lasting effects on the U.S. government. Congress passed numerous laws aimed at increasing transparency in government and limiting the powers of the U.S. president. Additionally, the scandal further eroded public trust in the government, reinforcing beliefs stemming from the Vietnam War that politicians might not always act in the interests of the people or be truthful. This climate of distrust was exacerbated by the manner in which Watergate revealed the extent of official misconduct within the Nixon administration, as well as the dramatic fall from grace of a president who was involved in criminal activities.
Following Nixon's resignation, several of his aides were indeed indicted for their part in the Watergate break-in and cover-up, leading to prison sentences for some. The incident therefore had the dual effect of producing legal repercussions for those involved and leading to a legislative overhaul designed to prevent such abuses of power in the future.