After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Discuss how public relations developed from press agentry to a profession.

2. Describe the three major functions of public relations.

3. Explain the five components of the ROPES public relations process.

4. Explain how a PR professional should deal with a crisis.

5. Explain how the Internet has changed the public relations process.

6. Discuss how public relations shapes the news we receive and our view of   politicians.

7. Describe how political activists use public relations to promote their causes.