As the the leading professional organization for the study of political science, APSA focuses on the following core objectives:

• Promoting scholarly research and communication, domestically and internationally.
  
  
• Promoting high quality teaching and education about politics and government.
  
  
• Diversifying the profession and representing its diversity.
  
  
• Increasing academic and non-academic opportunities for members.
  
  
• Strengthening the professional environment for political science.
  
  
• Representing the professional interests of political scientists.
  
  
• Defending the legitimacy of scholarly research into politics and government.
  
  
• Recognizing outstanding work in the discipline.
  
  
• Encouraging the application of rigorous ethical and intellectual standards in the profession.
  
  
• Serving the public, including disseminating research and preparing citizens to be effective citizens and political participants.