How Liberty Dies in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: <i>Star Wars</i>, Democratic Decay, and Weak Executives

In this article we argue that the story of Star Wars has much to tell us about perennial questions constitutional design. The series offers a rich cinematic exploration some most pressing real-life issues politics and constitutionalism is, suggest, fruitful source insight for design regulation. This proceeds in three parts. Part I, sketch political context which grounds our analysis, outlining key institutions Galactic Republic, their rapid decline fall as documented across prequel trilogy. II, outline existing contributions commentators have made respect its lessons regulation—the problem with concentration government power one person risks posed systems by excessive delegation authority executive branch. We then introduce more nuanced think films offer: ‘Publius paradox’; hollowness legalism; dangers confusion at apex power. III, detailed analysis films, show how saga clearly illustrates these lessons: constitutionally weak executive, rather than strong one, can be cause democratic decay autocracy, it proves incapable meeting demands governance; commitment obsession law is not per se any bulwark against autocracy; unclear lines pose huge risk times strain crisis. subtle important dominant accounts suggest: under creates overconcentration If fear democracy into autocracy wish respond it, must careful excessively limit or diffuse do, begin see solely primarily means restraining government, may so very seek prevent.