Fictional Government Shutdowns

Posted by Quirk Books Staff

What happens when these fictional governments shut down? We took a closer look at some of the systems in literature and pop culture to find out.

 


[Movie still from Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, 20th Century Fox]

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

The Government: The Council of Ymbrynes

Cause of Shutdown: Debate over whether to switch to non-GMO bird seed for council meetings.

Result: Budget for bird seed is increased to allow for different varieties.

 

Harry Potter series

The Government: The Ministry of Magic

Cause of Shutdown: Mid-level employees are tired of arriving to work via the toilet.

Result: Free Wellington boots are provided on Orientation Day.

 

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Government: High Council of Elrond

Cause of shutdown: Wood-elves faction is tired of the High Elves hogging all the Mithril.

Result: Arrow shortage, giant spiders flourish.

 

The Hunger Games Trilogy

The Government: The Capitol 

Cause of Shutdown: In an era of short-attention spans and too many entertainment choices, a debate breaks out as to whether 24 tributes are too many for The Hunger Games. A proposal is made to redraw the lines of the Districts in order to spread the talent and eliminate a few contestants.

Result: Ultimately, gerrymandering—err, redistricting—is shot down.

 

The Lord of the Flies

The Government: Jack and Ralph's "tribes"

Cause of Shutdown: In the landmark debate of Conch v Glasses, the tribe members struggle to determine where true power lies—in the conch (representing a democratic process) or with the glasses (representing fire and strength). Unable to come to a mutual understanding, civility breaks down and savagery begins to run rampant.

Result: Thankfully, the British navy intervenes and saves everyone.

 

The Planet of the Apes

The Government: The Council of Ape City 

Cause of Shutdown: Dr. Zaius wants to raise the tax on bananas.

Result: There's no soldiers guarding the Forbidden Zone, so the Statue of Liberty becomes a makeshift amusement park.

 

Star Wars

The Government: The Galactic Empire

Cause: Senate wants to pass a law to outlaw the Kessel Run.

Result: Palpatine blasts everyone with lightning.