Final answer:
Citizens' votes count in the executive branch because they directly elect local and state executives and indirectly influence the election of the president through the Electoral College. Popular votes indeed impact the accountability of elected officials and represent the people's will in a representative democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Citizens' Votes Count in the Executive Branch
In the United States, the executive branch officials, including the president, governors, and other local executives, are elected in ways that are directly or indirectly influenced by the citizens' votes. At the local and state levels, many executive positions such as city council members, mayors, and governors are elected through popular vote. Even though the president is not directly chosen by the popular vote, but by the Electoral College, citizens' votes in their home states are fundamental in determining the electors' decisions. Thus, individual votes serve as a powerful tool for the electorate to express their will and hold elected officials accountable. In Texas, for example, the executive branch is a 'plural executive' where officials are directly answerable to voters, adding a layer of checks and balances to the government.
Furthermore, voting is a principal way to engage in a representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions. This form of government is used in the U.S. because it is more practical than a pure democracy, where every citizen would vote on every proposed law. The United States operates as a constitution-based federal republic, and the votes signify the people's choice and can lead to policy changes that reflect their interests.
While many Americans feel their vote doesn't count, especially in presidential elections due to the Electoral College, it is the popular vote that directs the Electoral College. It's important to note that elected officials, even from the same party as the president or governor, must also be attentive to their constituents' interests, which can sometimes lead to legislative decisions that diverge from the executive's position.