According to "Time Out", "Buck Henry's screenplay borrows freely from both Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and Born Yesterday (1950)".
The film was inspired by classic Hollywood films such as those directed by Frank Capra, particularly Mr. Smith Goes to 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 Private Benjamin (1980). The story writers on Protocol (1984) actually wrote Private Benjamin (1980).
Goldie Hawn's character finally admits to being 35. The star was actually 39 when this film was made.
The film's closing credits dedication reads: "For You, Dad. Love, Kink".