According to "Time Out", "Buck Henry's screenplay borrows freely from both Mr. Smith va a Washington (1939) and Nata ieri (1950)".
The film was inspired by classic Hollywood films such as those directed by Frank Capra, particularly Mr. Smith va a Washington (1939). This film has often been given unofficial titles like "Goldie Goes to Washington".
The picture is considered a "politics" version of Goldie Hawn's earlier Soldato Giulia agli ordini (1980). The story writers on Protocol (1984) actually wrote Soldato Giulia agli ordini (1980).
The film's closing credits dedication reads: "For You, Dad. Love, Kink".