Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Politics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Quote #1

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute. […]

While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict….

The opening crawl firmly establishes the importance politics will play in The Phantom Menace and, as we'll see, the prequels as a whole. It frontlines the political maneuverings in the galaxy far more than the original film, which can summed up as "Empire vs. Rebels. Round 1. Fight!"

Quote #2

SIDIOUS: This turn of events is unfortunate. We must accelerate our plans. Begin landing your troops.

GUNRAY: My lord, is that legal?

SIDIOUS: I will make it legal.

Sidious is a villain for numerous reasons, not the least of which is penchant for murder and Halloween fashion sense. Yet his most villainous aspect might be his disregard for the political system and its laws designed to protect the people. He believes the law should be under his control. Until then, it's more of a nuisance than anything.

Quote #3

AMIDALA: The Federation would not dare go that far.

PANAKA: The Senate would revoke their trade franchise and they'd be finished.

AMIDALA: We must continue to rely on negotiations.

BIBBLE: Negotiation? We've lost all communications. And where are the Chancellor's ambassadors?

At this point, Padmé believes in the due process of law and the political system. She sticks to negotiations and believes her opponent will do the same because that's what is required of them. Only Bibble, who looks like he's seen some politicking in his day, knows what's coming.