individuals have a stronger voice in public policy when they a. limit political activity to voting in presidential elections b. participate actively in interest groups or political parties c. spend great amounts of time studying news and data d. write criticisms of officials on social networking sites

The correct answer is: B. Participate actively in interest groups or political parties.

The main ways of democratic participation are the Interest groups, the organized mobilization made by the Political parties, and the vote in the elections.

The interest groups are intermediate organizations located between the society and the State with the main objective of empowering the citizens in order to influence or affect the performances of the political powers. They express, add, or articulate the demands and wishes of multiple society groups. They emerge when groups of people (whom are convinced that nor the state, nor the political parties, have addressed their concerns properly) organize a collective action with a main cause trying to influence the policymaker.

On the other hand, political parties are essential institutions for the operation of the contemporary democracies by providing the voters with an offer of candidates and programs among those to choose. They are a group of people organized to win elections, manage governments, and dictate public policy.

Both groups share a specific purpose in the government, they work towards particular goals and both support politicians and raise money to achieve those goals.