We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Roles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Does a Political Analyst Do?

By K. Kinsella
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 22,120
Share

A political analyst reviews statistical data pertaining to election results, polls and opinions and attempts to make predictions about upcoming political events and trends. Many of the people employed in this field work for political parties or organizations while others are employed by academic institutions or media companies. In some instances, these professionals attempt to influence the electorate while other analysts are non-partisan and concentrate on interpreting events rather than trying to foster change.

Most people employed in this field have graduated from college and aside from taking undergraduate degree courses, many of these individuals have also completed masters or even Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in political science, international relations, sociology or related topics. While studying these subjects, students learn about political theorists such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke, as well as the political structures that exist in nations around the world. Additionally, many of these college courses include history classes during which students learn about the impact that past economic and political decisions had on various populations around the world.

Someone employed as a political analyst by a party or organization is tasked with advising politicians during the policy making process. These individuals can draw on their knowledge of past events and make suggestions about ideas that may prove popular and warn politicians to steer away from concepts that have proven unproductive in the past. Prior to an election, a political analyst may take part in canvassing activities, during which the electorate are surveyed. Analysts review reports that detail the opinions of voters and advise candidates on how they can take advantage of popular opinion. In many instances, electoral candidates change their stated policies on the basis of reports that are prepared by analysts.

Aside from formal political groups, many analysts are employed by so-called think tanks which consist of groups of people who are united by a common set of goals or beliefs. Typically, these groups attempt to influence political leaders to change laws that govern tax rates, prison sentences, civil rights and other types of issues. A political analyst working with one of these groups must produce reports that detail the benefits of adopting the group's proposals. Such reports may be based on surveys and other types of statistical data that seem to imply that a region or nation will somehow benefit from political change.

While many analysts are partisan, others work as commentators and offer opinions on elections and other events. These individuals may appear as panelists on news shows, or write columns in newspapers or journals. Some university professors often adopt a similarly neutral role during classes and lectures. These academics may analyze information without encouraging their students to assume a particular political position.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By jayad — On Mar 20, 2013

I am commerce background student and I am thinking about getting a CA degree. But I am interested in politics very much. After completing CA, is there any way for me to become a political analyst? I am a 12th standard student.

Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/what-does-a-political-analyst-do.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.