Name:
Star Wars and Politics/Government
Video 1
Background: The Galactic Senate has voted to tax trade routes, making things more expensive
for the Trade Federation (a large corporation in the galaxy). The trade Federation responds by
blockading the planet of Naboo and then invading. In response, the Queen of Naboo, Amidala,
has decided to go to speak to the Galactic Senate in an effort to gain protection and assistance.
1. During the video, write down all similarities between the government in Star Wars and
present-day governments or governments we’ve studied.
2. What type of government is present in the galaxy?
3. What problems does Queen Amidala see with the current form of government?
For questions 4-7, use the quote from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Anakin Skywalker: I don’t think the system works.
Padmé: How would you have it work?
Anakin Skywalker: We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem…
agree what’s in the best interest of all people… and then do it.
Padmé: That’s exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don’t always agree.
Anakin Skywalker: Well, then they should be made to.
Padmé: By whom? Who’s going to make them?
Anakin Skywalker: I don’t know. Someone wise.
Padmé: Sounds an awful lot like a dictatorship to me.
Anakin Skywalker: Well, if it works.
4. What kind of government does Anakin describe in his second quote?
5.What is Anakin’s argument overall about government (last line of scene)
6. Do you agree with Anakin?
7. Think about the US presidents and their responses to conflict in our class (FDR-WWII; Harry
Truman- WWII, Korean War; US Containment policy of Communism), does the United States
agree with Anakin? If not, what is their belief about government?
Name:
Video 2
Background: The Emperor has ruled the Galaxy under his empire for 18 years now. Until this
point during his reign, the Galactic Senate has remained intact, acting as buffer between harsh
policies and the citizens of the universe.
9. Grand Moff Tarkin states that “fear will keep the local systems in line.” What examples of this
attitude are found in history?
Identifying Governments
Star Wars
Yoda lived isolated on the
planet Dagobah
Ewoks lived in separate tribes
before coming together to
survive and share resources.
Ewoks elected a tribal
council, a group of elders who
make up the governing body.
Queen Amidala was elected
queen at the age of 14. She
rules Naboo as its queen.
Jabba the Hutt had total
control over his palace and
the area around it.
Planets elected representatives
to the Galactic Senate. The
Senate then voted on laws and
governed the galaxy.
Palpatine controlled the
government, assassinated the
senate, and delegated power
to generals he trusted.
Rebels try to overthrow the
Emperor. They elect leaders
to different positions to lead
the rebellion.
Type of Government
Example from history/class