Heinlein depicts the world through Smith’s innocent eyes. How does this naïve-yet-wise protagonist enable the novel’s critique of human society?

Heinlein makes little distinction between politics, religion, and a carnival sideshow. How does the novel draw parallels between these seemingly disparate social phenomena?

How does Heinlein’s portrayal of a global government—the Federation—reflect historical fears of the time? What are some specific examples in the narrative of an overreaching government?