15 Political Interview Questions and Answers

In the United States, politics is a hot topic. From the presidential election to local races, there is always something to talk about when it comes to politics. And with such a divisive political climate, it’s no wonder that employers are increasingly interested in learning more about their employees’ political views.

While some employers may shy away from asking questions about politics, others see it as an important part of getting to know their employees. After all, political views can impact the way employees interact with co-workers and customers. Asking questions about politics can help employers gauge whether or not an employee will be a good fit for their company.

If you’re interviewing for a job, there’s a chance you’ll be asked about your political views. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common political interview questions and answers.

1. How would you describe your political ideology?

This question can help the interviewer determine your political beliefs and how they align with those of their party. It also helps them understand whether you would be a good fit for their organization’s culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two policies that are important to you and why.

Example: “I consider myself a moderate Democrat. I believe in equal rights for all people regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion. I am passionate about protecting our environment and ensuring everyone has access to affordable healthcare. I think we need to do more to support public education and ensure that every child has an opportunity to succeed.”

2. What are your thoughts on the current state of politics in our country?

This question can help an interviewer get a better sense of your political views and how you feel about the current state of politics. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but it’s also helpful to focus on what you would like to see change or improve.

Example: “I think that our country is at a pivotal point where we need to make some major changes if we want to continue being the best nation in the world. I believe that we need more people who are willing to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good. We need leaders who will listen to all sides of an issue before making decisions and who will hold themselves accountable when they make mistakes.”

3. Who do you think is currently the best leader in the world, and why?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of current events and politics. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you have an opinion on who’s doing well in their role as a leader. You can use this opportunity to discuss why you chose the person you did, what they’ve done for their country or how they’re making positive changes in the world.

Example: “I think Angela Merkel is currently the best leader in the world. She has been chancellor of Germany since 2005, which is quite impressive. I admire her ability to remain calm under pressure and make tough decisions. Her leadership skills are evident in the way she handles situations with other countries and leaders.”

4. What is one thing that you value about our democracy?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the political system and how you feel about it. It also shows that you are passionate about politics, which can be an important quality for someone in this role. When answering this question, try to think of something specific that you value about democracy. You could talk about freedom of speech or voting rights.

Example: “I value our democratic system because it allows us to have a say in who leads us. I believe everyone should have equal access to their government, so I am glad we have voting rights. I also appreciate that we have freedom of speech in our country. This means that people can speak out against the government without fear of punishment.”

5. How does social media impact politics today?

Social media has become a major platform for political campaigns. It allows candidates to reach out to voters and spread their messages more easily than ever before. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of social media in politics and how it can be used effectively.

Example: “Social media is an important tool for any campaign because it gives us access to millions of people at once. We can share our ideas, values and policies with voters who may not have heard about them otherwise. I believe we need to use social media responsibly, however. For example, I would never post anything offensive or controversial on my personal accounts. Instead, I would create separate accounts for each campaign where I could post content without risking my reputation.”

6. If you could change one aspect of American politics what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see how you view politics and what your opinions are on the current state of American politics. It also shows that you have thought about politics before, which can be helpful for employers who want someone with political experience. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you’re thoughtful in your response and that you understand the importance of politics.

Example: “I would change the amount of money spent on campaigns. I think if we could reduce the amount of money spent on campaigning, we could get more people involved in politics because they wouldn’t feel like they need to spend so much money to run a campaign. This would allow more diverse candidates to run for office.”

7. Do you have any ideas for how we can get more people to participate in local elections?

This question can give you the opportunity to show your political skills by offering a unique perspective on how to get more people involved in their local government. You may have ideas about specific policies or programs that could encourage voter turnout, and you can share these with the interviewer.

Example: “I think we need to make it easier for people to vote. I would support legislation that allows voters to register online so they don’t have to wait in long lines at the polls. Another idea is to allow early voting so people can cast their ballots before election day. This would help reduce the number of people who are unable to vote because of work or other commitments.”

8. Have you ever been involved in politics outside of voting? What was your experience like?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s political experience. It can also help you determine if they have any interest in politics and whether or not they would be able to commit to the position. If you are looking for someone who will dedicate themselves to the job, look for candidates who have been involved in politics outside of voting.

Example: “I’ve never been actively involved in politics outside of voting. However, I am very passionate about my community and always vote in local elections. In fact, I was part of a committee that worked on getting our city’s recycling program started.”

9. What issues do you feel strongly about?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any personal opinions that might conflict with the party’s platform. They want to know that you’re willing to compromise and work within a team. In your answer, explain why you feel strongly about the issue and how you would approach it in a way that is beneficial to the party.

Example: “I believe that we need more funding for education. I think that we should raise taxes on corporations so that we can hire more teachers and provide better resources for students. I also think that we should lower class sizes so that teachers can give each student more attention. I would like to see us make these changes over the next five years.”

10. Is there a particular politician from history that inspires you? Why?

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your political views and how you apply them to real-world situations. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but try not to share any controversial opinions that may cause conflict with the hiring manager.

Example: “I admire Abraham Lincoln for his ability to remain calm during a time of great turmoil. He was able to keep his composure while leading the country through one of its most difficult times. I also respect Franklin D. Roosevelt because he was able to overcome a debilitating disease and still lead our country during World War II. His perseverance is something I strive to emulate.”

11. Can you explain one thing you wish non-politicians understood better?

This question is a great way to show your passion for politics and the issues you care about. It also gives you an opportunity to explain something that may be confusing or misunderstood by those who aren’t involved in politics.

Example: “I wish non-politicians understood how important it is to vote. I know many people don’t feel like their votes matter, but they do. If more people voted, we would have different representatives in office. We could change laws and make our country better if everyone voted. I think voting should be mandatory.”

12. Is there an organization or group that you admire politically? Why?

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your political views and how you feel about current events. It can also show them what kind of person you are, as it’s likely that the organization or group you mention will share some of your personality traits. When answering this question, try to choose a group or organization that is well-known but not controversial.

Example: “I admire Greenpeace because they have been so effective at raising awareness about environmental issues. I think their methods for getting people involved in their cause are really smart, and I would love to work with a group like theirs.”

13. Do you believe that most politicians are trustworthy? Why or why not?

This question is a great way to assess your political views and how you feel about the current state of politics. It also allows you to show that you can be honest in your opinions, even if they differ from those of the interviewer.

Example: “I believe most politicians are trustworthy because I think it’s important for them to have good intentions. However, I do think there are some who use their positions for personal gain or to benefit themselves rather than the people they represent. I would work hard to ensure that my colleagues were acting with integrity.”

14. Which political party do you align with most closely?

This question is a good way to assess your political views and how you align with the party. It can also show which party the interviewer supports, so it’s important to answer honestly. If you’re unsure of which party you align most closely with, consider what issues are most important to you and research each party’s stance on those issues.

Example: “I would say I’m closest to the Democratic Party because they support many of my views on social justice and equality. However, I believe that all parties have some great ideas and I try to listen to everyone’s opinions.”

15. What books would you recommend someone interested in learning about politics read?

This question can help an interviewer get a sense of your knowledge about politics and the political process. It also helps them understand what you value in terms of reading material. When answering this question, it can be helpful to name books that have helped you develop your own political skills or ones that you think are particularly interesting.

Example: “I would recommend ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu because I find it’s a great book for learning how to strategize and plan ahead when working on a campaign. Another book I’d recommend is ‘How Democracies Die,’ as I think it’s important to learn more about the history of democracy and why we should protect it.”