Public relations plays an important role in government at all levels. At the federal level, the President and his staff receive significant media attention to communicate their agenda to citizens. State governments also use public relations to promote tourism and inform constituents. Local governments employ information specialists to keep communities aware of news and issues. Election campaigns are a major focus of public relations, with spending on presidential races increasing from $2.6 billion in 2000 to $6 billion in 2012. Social media allows more voters to be informed and engaged in the political process.

1. Chapter 17
Government & Politics
David Reader

2. What roles do public relations
play in Government?
Throughout the use of (social) media and public
communication, voters are able to make more
educated decisions when it comes to voting for
leaders.

3. The Federal Government
& Public Relations
Many U.S. Citizens are active participants in today’s political
society. Social Media, and television are able to keep most
citizens informed and up to date.
The President and his staff receive more
attention (media wise) than all of the other
government agencies combined.
In the U.S., government public relations staff are active at the
local, regional, and federal level.

4. State Governments & Public Relations
States, like the Federal Government, provides
information about it’s sequences to numerous
constituents.
Through different promotions and advertising,
states promote their tourism to persuade and
inform people about what they have to offer.
Many states even hire Public Relation Firms in order
to promote these campaigns. well.

5. Local Governments & Public Relations
This level of government includes cities which hire
information specialists to inform the community about news
and other information for many public departments.
Local governments hold meetings
as well to inform and interact with
citizens who are actively involved
or who may have concerns.
One way that cities promote their tourism is by publicizing
their own unique surroundings, including attractions, at
certain events, and in the newspapers, etc.

6. Election Campaigns
I found this topic very interesting regarding the
reading for this Chapter.
This information will be good to keep in mind
since next year we will elect a new President,
but also this relates to any election.

7. Election Campaigns Continued…
Campaign Costs:
Over time, costs of campaigns have increased tremendously. Many celebrities
give money or help in other ways in order to promote their preference party’s
campaign.
In 2000, 2.6 billion dollars was spent on the Presidential election campaign.
In 2012, 6 billion dollars was spent on the Presidential election campaign.
This shows that Public Relations for these campaigns are definitely active and continuously
increasing each election.
Think about what persuades you to vote for someone.
Do you see an advertisement on TV?
Read an article on social media?
A survey showed that 72% of U.S. citizens believe that by use of social media,
more people are affected and more drawn to vote for elections.

8. Think about and reflect on all of the different
ways Public Relations affects the Government at
all levels.
Even though I only hit on five of the major key
points in this chapter, I hope that everyone
learned a little something and found interesting
information regarding Chapter 17!
Thank You!