After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

• Discuss how public relations developed from press agentry to a profession.
   
• Describe the three major functions of public relations.
   
• Explain the five components of the ROPES public relations process.
   
• Explain how a public relations professional should deal with a crisis.
   
• Explain how the Internet has changed the public relations process.
   
• Discuss how public relations shapes the news we receive and our view of politicians.
   
• Describe how political activists use public relations to promote their causes.