I believe Watergate shows that the system did work. Particularly the Judiciary and the Congress, and ultimately an independent prosecutor working in the Executive Branch.
Way before Watergate, senior administration officials hid behind anonymity.
It would seem that the Watergate story from beginning to end could be used as a primer on the American political system.
Watergate provides a model case study of the interaction and powers of each of the branches of government. It also is a morality play with a sad and dramatic ending.
Lawyers didn't seriously get involved in the Watergate stories until quite late, when we realized we were on to something.
The biggest rap on me is that I don't find a Watergate every couple of years. Well, Watergate was unique. It's not something Carl Bernstein, I, or the Washington Post caused.