Political scientist Dr. Maria Gonzalez contends that countries with mandatory voting have higher civic engagement overall, not just higher turnout. She argues that the habit of voting makes citizens more likely to follow political news and participate in other civic activities.
Which data would most effectively support Gonzalez's broader claim about civic engagement?
Citizens in mandatory voting countries report reading political news 35% more often and volunteering for community organizations at twice the rate of citizens in voluntary voting countries
Voter turnout in countries with mandatory voting exceeds 90%
Most citizens approve of mandatory voting in countries where it exists
Countries with mandatory voting tend to have higher GDPs
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This measures civic engagement beyond voting: news consumption and volunteering.
- Context clues: Gonzalez claims engagement "overall, not just higher turnout."
- Evidence evaluation: Political news + community volunteering = other civic activities.
- Verify: This proves the "broader claim" beyond just turnout.
💡 Strategy: "Broader" claims require evidence of multiple related outcomes.
Choice B is incorrect because high turnout is about voting, not broader engagement. Choice C is incorrect because citizen approval doesn't measure engagement. Choice D is incorrect because GDP doesn't measure civic participation.