The Simpsons has never been afraid to get political, making plenty of gags at the expense of whatever government is in power at any given time. But despite this snarky attitude toward American Democracy, the show has always retained a uniquely optimistic view of politics through the lens of Lisa Simpson.
This goes all the way back to some of the show's earliest episodes, with Season 3's "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington," highlighting the flaws of politicians in a satirical drubbing of the American government. The episodes also reinforce hope in the institution, defining Lisa as the show's most overtly political character, and solidifying The Simpson's perspective on politics.
What Happens In Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington
"Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" -- as directed by Wes Archer with a script by George Meyer -- focused largely on Lisa. After entering a Reader's Digest essay contest and impressing the judges with her intellect, Lisa and the entire family are invited to Washington DC to take part in the national finals. Throughout the episode, Lisa is portrayed with a genuinely hopeful view of American politics, truly believing in the rule of law, and an inherent nobility to governance. However, while visiting the Winifred Beecher Howe memorial ahead of the finals, Lisa witnesses Bob Arnold making a corrupt deal with a lobbyist to tear down Springfield forest. Arnold is the congressional representative for Springfield's district she'd also taken a fluff piece photo-opp with.
Disillusioned, Lisa abandons her original essay and instead reads "Cesspool on the Potomac." The essay is a scathing commentary on Washington DC that condemns the "fetid stench of corruption" that compels government workers to act against the best interests of the public they're meant to serve for their own gain. Lisa's condemnation costs her any chance at victory in the contest, but it does spur the government into action. This quickly exposes Arnold and strips the disgraced representative of his position within less than a day. The episode ultimately ends with a ridiculously positive view on the US Government, even showcasing President George H. W. Bush -- eventually a frequent target of the show -- in a positive light, restoring Lisa's faith in the rule of law and American democracy.
Mr. Lisa Goes To Washington Is A Fundamental Piece Of The Simpsons
"Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" was one of the first times Lisa became involved in politics -- something that has largely come to define the character in later years as she became a more overt vessel for the writing staff's views. She's been hinted to follow a career in politics in her adult years, eventually becoming President of the United States in two separate "future" episodes of the show. However, "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" remains one of the show's most overt explorations of the faults in American politics, and the way Americans perceive politics in a selfish light. This is perhaps most bluntly explored when Lisa visits the Lincoln Memorial for guidance, but is drowned out by scores of people seeking answers for insignificant personal problems.
"Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" is ultimately very forgiving of the political system, showcasing an almost cartoonishly capable government that moves with lightning speed to bring down internal corruption. It's the most optimistic view of the collective US government possible, simply depicting politicians doing their jobs, but casting an over-the-top heroic light. Despite the way it portrays the United States government's flaws -- and Lisa's harsh statement that "this will be one nation, under the dollar, with liberty and justice for none" -- there remains an element of optimism to the episode. To Lisa's surprise, the government proves willing to look internally and try to course-correct, keeping her from fully embracing a cynical view of the world. To Lisa (and the audience), there's still hope for the institution, even if the people within can falter and fail.
The iconic episode informed Lisa's evolution over the rest of the series, setting her up as a rabble-rouser who nevertheless doesn't lose sight of the potential the American political system has for collective change and betterment. She wants people to be held accountable for their actions, and to work to help the people -- two core aspects of Lisa as a character. For all its faults and flaws, democracy is worth fighting for, and it's exemplified in The Simpsons with a Lisa who wants to change the system from the inside instead of tearing it down.
There's an inherent optimism to Lisa's political views -- as showcased in episodes like Season 7's "Lisa the Iconoclast" and Season 25's "The Kid Is All Right" -- that sees her work to change the world for the better, even if the system wins out over her. These episodes highlight how the American political system can -- and must -- rise above individual figures to maintain the public good, otherwise, it risks losing the very optimism that keeps it alive and evolving. "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" quietly remains one of the show's most influential episodes, and sets up the show's critical and snarky -- but ultimately optimistic and driven -- political perspective.