Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. 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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
14 tasks analyzed
Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
Teach political science.
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
Identify issues for research and analysis.
Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
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.
Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use.
Serve on committees.
Advise political science students.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations. | 65.53Observed | 53.2% | 12% | |
| Teach political science. | 62.4Observed | 40.0% | 15% | |
| Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources. | 72Observed | 55.8% | 12% | |
| Identify issues for research and analysis. | 53.62Observed | 48.5% | 5% | |
| Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations. | 58.05Observed | 50.2% | 10% | |
| Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 8% | |
| Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions. | 52.35Observed | 47.9% | 10% | |
| Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations. | 71.43Observed | 55.6% | 5% | |
| Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 3% | |
| Forecast political, economic, and social trends. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use. | 57.45Observed | 50.0% | 4% | |
| Serve on committees. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 2% | |
| Advise political science students. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 4% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
Political Campaigns Automate Strategy as GOP Goes All-In on AI Tools
Republican campaigns are heavily investing in AI for the upcoming midterms, moving beyond simple image generation to automate core strategies. This rapid adoption threatens traditional political consulting, copywriting, and data analysis roles.
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Campaign strategists face a diverging job market as Republican campaigns openly adopt AI tools for daily operations while Democrats resist them. This partisan split creates distinct skill requirements depending on which side of the aisle you work.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis