Final answer:
A written request to a government official is generally called a petition, letter of appeal, or simply a letter. These allow citizens to engage with their elected representatives and participate in the democratic process, an act protected by the First Amendment in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
A written request to a government official is typically referred to as a petition, a letter of appeal, or simply a letter. These written requests can be a powerful way of engaging with elected officials and participating in the democratic process. In the United States, the ability to write to government officials is protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, allowing citizens to express their concerns, criticisms, and suggestions.
For example, one might write a business letter to a congressman to express concerns about funding for local schools or to request support for a particular cause such as immigration reform. Such actions are not only a right but also a part of civic duty, encouraging dialogue between the public and those in office.