A call for action from voters that empowers an elected official to pass certain legislation is known as what?

A call for action from voters that empowers an elected official to pass certain legislation is known as a mandate. A mandate occurs when elected officials interpret the outcome of an election as a signal from the electorate that they should pursue specific policies or actions. This idea is based on the notion that voters grant authority to politicians to enact their proposed agenda, often reflected in the campaign promises made leading up to the election. The concept of a mandate suggests that elected officials have both a political and moral obligation to fulfill the expectations of their constituents, particularly if they have won the election with a significant majority.

In this context, the other options do not convey the same meaning. Authority refers to the power or right granted to an individual or organization, often tied to institutional roles rather than the electoral process specifically. Endorsement generally signifies a recommendation or support from an individual or group for a candidate or policy, rather than a direct call to action tied to electoral outcomes. Support is a broader term that may encompass various forms of backing, but it lacks the specific implication of voter-driven empowerment that a mandate possesses. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the link between the electoral outcome and the subsequent legislative responsibility of elected officials.