In the old newsreel style of the 1940s and 50s, Mr. Smith attempts to make a public service announcement about the positive aspects of having an active government. This fails miserably on three occasions because the producer can't seem to find the right clips, much to Mr. Smith's anger. Eventually, Mr. Smith changes into a modern-day John Doe named Erich, who articulates how America's democracy serves as a foundation for a federal government that is capable of doing good, like creating a positive climate for wealth building, waging war against America's enemies, protecting the environment , providing disaster relief and administering social insurance.