Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington

Lisa Simpson enters a contest in which an essay is written about why the United States is great for Reading Digest magazine (a take on Reader's Digest). Lisa's article is approved for entry in the national finals.

Lisa and the Simpsons go to Washington DC. While Bart and Homer abuse the all expense-paid perks of their trip, Lisa visits famous monuments for inspiration. At one particular monument, she overhears a bribe taking place about demolishing Springfield Forest. Distraught at the dishonesty of government officials, Lisa tears up her essay and writes a new one to present at the finals.

The new essay disdains the government system, and mentions the names of those involved in the bribery. Lisa's essay causes a rukus and elicits a hostile reaction from the judges and audience. Messages are quickly sent around the capital regarding Lisa's speech and the corrupt statesman is arrested. Lisa's essay does not win because of its content, but with the official arrested, her faith in government is restored.