9 key duties and responsibilities of a politician
A politician’s duties depend on several factors, such as what office they hold and whether they work full-time or part-time. These are some of the most common responsibilities listed in politician job descriptions.
1. Propose solutions to community problems
Politicians gather information from voters, business owners and community leaders. They use this information to identify issues that need their attention. One of the main duties of a politician is to propose solutions to these problems. For each proposed solution, a politician might request feedback on potential costs or environmental impacts.
2. Write, debate and vote on legislation
One way to address public concerns is by writing and passing new laws. A politician may draft legislation, participate in legislative debates, or work with advisors to ensure their proposals meet legal standards. Politicians also meet with their constituents to get their opinions on pending legislation.
3. Represent constituents
Politicians represent the voters who elect them. At the local level, a politician might approve budget proposals, establish community policies or request resources from state and federal legislators. State and federal politicians typically answer questions about government programs, help constituents solve problems and inform community members about government services.
4. Engage with community members
Politicians communicate with their constituents via telephone, email, social media and in-person meetings. For example, an elected official might answer questions about new laws or offer advice regarding local policies. Communicating with voters helps politicians understand community needs and make better policy decisions.
5. Serve on committees
Many government bodies have committees that focus on specific issues, such as healthcare or education. When politicians serve on these committees, they typically analyze reports, review proposals, and question witnesses. Committee work helps advance legislation and ensures new policies align with a politician’s policy agenda.
6. Participate in collective decision making
Politicians often have to negotiate with members of other parties. For example, if they’re trying to pass a new law, they might compromise on some issues to accommodate different perspectives. This type of collaboration helps politicians build support for their policy priorities.
7. Set strategic priorities
A politician handles a wide range of issues. Some of these issues are more urgent than others, so it’s helpful to rank them in order of importance. For instance, if a local factory isn’t disposing of harmful chemicals properly, that might take priority over the desire to build a new park.
8. Maintain public trust
Local, state, and federal governments often set ethical standards for politicians. For example, an elected official may need to disclose potential conflicts of interest. Many legislative bodies also require politicians to submit reports detailing the use of taxpayer funds. This helps build trust among community members.
9. Develop budgets
Politicians use tax revenue to fund a variety of programs. One of the main duties of this role is budget management, which is the process of tracking government revenue and spending. Politicians may have to cut some services to increase funding for others, for example. Some legislative bodies also require balanced budgets, so politicians may have to increase taxes to offset increases in spending.
Key members of a politician’s team
Politicians often have a team of employees to help them manage their responsibilities, especially during election season. They rely on people who believe in their candidacy and are willing to provide professional expertise. Team members often network on the politician’s behalf to reach voters and policymakers.
People who are interested in building a career in politics but do not want to be politicians themselves often work for political campaigns or elected officials. These are some of the most common support roles.
Campaign Manager
A campaign manager, also known as a campaign director, coordinates all elements of a politician’s election plan. Their ultimate goal is to get a candidate elected through public outreach and fundraising. The campaign manager collaborates with a political candidate to develop a strategy for earning votes.
Communications Manager
The communications manager handles all of a politician’s communications, including press releases, social media posts, speeches and interviews. They have a strong influence over the image a candidate projects to the public.
Public Relations Manager
Candidates may hire a public relations manager to gain public support for their policy goals. PR managers collaborate with communications managers to release statements and respond to challenges from political competitors.
Chief of Staff
The chief of staff is an administrative role that involves tracking other team members. The person in this role reports directly to the politician and makes decisions on hiring, budgeting, and organizational policies. A chief of staff solves problems and mediates issues, helping a candidate stay focused.
Finance Director
Running for office generally requires extensive fundraising, so a politician may hire a director of finance to handle financial reporting. The director of finance may also create fundraising goals and plan fundraising events.
Field Organizer
Field organizers contact voters via canvassing, phone banking and other grassroots methods. They help with event scheduling and serve as the first point of contact for volunteers. Field organizers typically have an in-depth understanding of a candidate’s policy stances, which is helpful when they train volunteers and paid team members. Some politicians also have their field organizers oversee canvassers and other campaign personnel.
FAQs about politicians
What skills are important for a politician?
Politicians typically have strong communication, negotiation and public speaking skills. Some politicians are also proficient in debating opponents, inspiring voters and building relationships with campaign donors. These skills make it possible for a politician to connect with audience members.
Do politicians work full-time?
It depends on the role. Some politicians work full-time in their elected positions. Others serve on a volunteer basis, so they fit their political duties around other jobs. The time commitment is typically higher at the state and federal levels than at the local level.
For example, small cities may have council members who attend one executive meeting and one public meeting per week. When they’re not performing their council duties, they might work in private-sector jobs or volunteer in the community.
