Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

• Political Scientist

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys; report on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, and/or statistical sources.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
• Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
• Identify issues for research and analysis.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, and/or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Provide media commentary and/or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
• Teach political science.
• Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use.

• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze organizational operating practices or procedures
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• analyze social or economic data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect social or personal information
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• compile information through interviews
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
• develop or maintain databases
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• edit written material
• evaluate documents or manuscripts
• evaluate governmental regulations or laws
• explain complex mathematical information
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
• maintain awareness of social trends
• make presentations
• negotiate with federal and state agencies and other political organizations
• obtain information from individuals
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan surveys of specified group or area
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide expert testimony on research results
• recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
• recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• recommend solutions of administrative problems
• review civil rights laws
• review laws
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use conflict resolution techniques
• use current social research
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use public speaking techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers