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.

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

Law and Government -- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition , and grammar. Education and Training -- Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. History and Archeology -- Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures. Sociology and Anthropology -- Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. Philosophy and Theology -- Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture. Geography -- Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Instructing -- Teaching others how to do something. Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others. Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Speech Recognition -- The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Thinking Creatively -- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Training and Teaching Others -- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Interacting With Computers -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.