Final answer:
The Watergate scandal intensified public scrutiny of elected officials, decreased bipartisan cooperation, and eroded trust in government institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Watergate scandal had a significant impact on partisan politics in the United States. Rather than increasing trust in government institutions, the scandal resulted in a heightened public scrutiny of elected officials. The actions taken by President Nixon and his administration, which included illegal activities such as burglaries and domestic surveillance, eroded the public's trust in elected officials and government as a whole.
The scandal also contributed to a decrease in bipartisan cooperation. The exposure of Nixon's wrongdoing deepened the existing political divisions within the country, leading to increased polarization among political parties. The scandal revealed a lack of accountability and transparency in the government, causing the public to question the integrity of politicians from both parties.
Therefore, the correct answer is c) Heightened public scrutiny of elected officials.