Politicks in Miniature satirises the politician Robert Walpole who, as head of the House of Commons, had a similar role to that of a Prime Minister. The text was anonymously published in an issue of the Westminster Journal in 1741 and the author could not be identified.

The foreword that precedes the text explores the widespread metaphor of the theatrum mundi which compares the world to a theatre stage. The government is represented as a puppet theatre company with Punch as its leader. Here, Punch is reminiscent of Robert Walpole, the political man of the Whig party (conservative). The plot is set in a very specific political context and portrays the fall of Walpole. In 1741, during the United Kingdom general election, the Walpole ministry was weakened although it maintained a slim majority. The following year, Walpole was under pressure to resign following a vote of no confidence that overthrew his government.

The play was staged in London at the Old Theatre near Pall Mall with tall puppets (“rich and large figures”). In most editions, the text Politicks in Miniature is followed by a harlequinade, also satirical: The Political Rehearsal - Harlequin Le Grand : Or, the Tricks of Pierrot le Primier (sic), but this one seems to be more adequate for human actors.

Punch informs Master (the stage director) that part of his company is rebelling against him even though he got rid of all competition and has been in the spotlight for the past 20 years. A lieutenant colonel meets with him; his colonel now dead, he wants to be appointed head of his regiment. Punch refuses and contemptuously reminds him that he has no seat in Parliament. He then offers the regiment to a duke who had wanted to be part of the military. He then grants a series of privileges to his peers.

Puppet Lawn, who tried to influence the inhabitants of his village to vote for Punch, ends up being scammed by the latter through a fake investment. The reservists under Punch’s supervision are on the verge of insurrection. Puppet Y- advises him to go on site. On the contrary, Punch prepares to leave the government and makes sure he can store his belongings somewhere safe.

Captain Caledon, Mr English and Mr Worcester are plotting to pressure Punch into resigning. Nonetheless, they suspect him to be preparing a comeback in politics. Punch resigns. An epilogue underlines the reality of the events that have been staged, and pre-empts criticism: the play does not follow the rules of puppet theatre because Punch is not punished by the devil but the author points out that he probably will be.