Smith Goes to Washington: American Exceptionalism

The Definition of American Exceptionalism


The definition of American exceptionalism refers to the perception of the United States as a separate country from other nations in terms of history, policy, and dominance when opposed to other countries. The United States is regarded as a government that embraces equality, equality, and individualism, among other values that distinguish the United States.

The Film "Smith Goes to Washington"


Smith Goes to Washington is a film that depicts the political condition of the United States in 1939, when the film was made. The film's politics, as well as characters such as Jefferson Smith, Taylor, and Joseph Harrison Paine, reflect the US's exceptionalism.

The Corrupt Nature of the Government


The film starts with the death of Senator Samuel Foley and the top officials have the authority to appoint a new senator to fill the general seat. The process of electing the new senator demonstrates a nation that is corrupt and also that which considers democracy. It is evidence from the conversation between Taylor and Governor Hopper that the seat occupant should be an individual who they can easily manipulate and who will not reveal the corrupt project run by Taylor which is the Willet Creek Dam project. In this case, the government is corrupt; Taylor clearly states "that the new appointment must not expose the Willet Creek Dam project (Poague 26)."

The Role of Self-Interested Politicians


Additionally, Paine is against Smith, and he ensures that the Senate vote against him, this illustrates a nation dominated by politicians with self-interest as opposed to giving priority to the interest of the people (Poague 26).

Democracy and the Power of the People


On the other hand, the film also demonstrates democracy whereby people exercise their right to vote and freedom to express themselves. For example, the appointment of Hon. Voters widely rejects Horace Miller to take over the vacant senatorial seat, and the seating government has to respect the people's opinion (Poague 25). In this case, the film demonstrates the US unique nature in supporting the government of the people which is reached through the exercising of the citizens' voting rights.

Honesty and the Pursuit of Change


Additionally, Smith illustrates the exceptionalism of the US who believes in honesty in the process of bringing change to society. Despite that the bills he proposes is faced with corruption issues, Smith's initial plans were to help the society as he had promised during his initial speech in the office, Smith states that "I can promise ya one thing - I'll do nothing to disgrace the office of the United States Senate" (Poague 27).

Individualism and Independent Decision Making


Additionally, the film also demonstrates the concept of individualism whereby an individual's actions are independent of the state's influence. For example, when Smith starts understanding the concept of the dam project and suspects that there is something wrong with it, though he is not sure what it is, he tells Paine that he will not vote the bill into law if he does not understand the confusing elements of the project "…there's Something wrong here, I know there's something wrong. And I'm not gonna vote on that thing until I get some more questions answered" (Poague 26). Additionally, despite the fact that Smith was appointed due to his innocence and he could not oppose or reveal the wicked ways of the governor and Taylor, at some point, he disagrees with Taylor and tells him that he is not there to follow what Taylor wants him to do but rather serve the people. In this case, Smith demonstrates the freedom of the people in making free and independent decisions.

Work Cited


Poague, Leland. “American Vision: The Films of Frank Capra Raymond Carney.” Film Quarterly 40.4 (1987): 25-27. Web.

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