What mechanism allows citizens to influence government policy outside elections?

• A. Petitions
• B. Veto power
• C. Royal assent
• D. Judges' decrees

Answer: (A)

Citizens influence government policy outside elections through formal channels that bring public concerns directly to those in power. Petitions let people collect signatures and formally present issues, demands, or proposals to parliament or government departments. They signal how many people care about an issue and can start debates, inquiries, or policy reviews, making them a direct way to influence decision-making without voting. Veto power is an official tool to block legislation, not a general mechanism for everyday citizens to push policy. Royal assent is the ceremonial approval of laws and not a public channel for influence. Judges' decrees arise from court decisions and legal action, which can shape policy indirectly but aren’t the standard route for broad citizen input outside elections.