Which type of advocacy focuses on influencing issues rather than direct candidate support?

• A. Express advocacy
• B. Issue advocacy
• C. Direct mailing
• D. Political Action Committees

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is issue advocacy, which specifically targets influencing public opinion and policy on certain issues rather than endorsing or supporting specific candidates. Issue advocacy involves campaigns or efforts that aim to raise awareness, educate the public, and mobilize supporters around particular topics, such as healthcare, environmental policy, or education reform. This type of advocacy can include advertisements, grassroots activism, and public relations campaigns focused on driving discussion and action regarding specific legislative matters or social issues without directly linking to a candidate's campaign.

This approach is distinct from express advocacy, which explicitly supports or opposes particular candidates for office, making clear endorsements about who individuals should vote for. Additionally, direct mailing refers to a method of communication used by campaigns, interest groups, or organizations to relay information, findings, or requests directly to individuals or stakeholders, but it is not solely focused on influencing issues independently. Political Action Committees (PACs) involve fundraising and contributing to candidates' campaigns and therefore are more closely aligned with express advocacy rather than the broader influence of issues that issue advocacy embodies.