The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American society and politics. In addition to the human and economic costs of the war, the Vietnam War also led to a number of changes in the way that the United States government was run.
* Reduced trust in government. The Vietnam War significantly eroded public trust in the government. This was due in part to the government's misleading statements about the war, such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, as well as its use of illegal and unethical tactics, such as the My Lai massacre.
* Increased congressional oversight. In response to the Vietnam War, Congress passed a number of laws to increase its oversight of the executive branch. These laws included the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires the president to consult with Congress before committing troops to combat, and the Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which gives Congress more control over the federal budget.
* Rise of the neoconservatives. The Vietnam War also led to the rise of the neoconservative movement. Neoconservatives are foreign policy hawks who believe that the United States should use its military power to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Neoconservatives played a key role in the making of US foreign policy during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
The Vietnam War was a watershed moment in American history. It fundamentally changed the way that Americans viewed their government and its role in the world. The war also led to a number of lasting changes in the way that the United States government is run.