Which government officials are elected by the people?

Mayors are elected officials chosen directly by the people in their respective cities or municipalities. This electoral process allows citizens to participate in local governance by selecting a leader who represents their interests and addresses community needs. Mayors typically run campaigns to secure votes from the public, making them accountable to the electorate.

This contrasts with the other options listed, where the officials are not elected by the general populace. Federal court judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, meaning they do not face direct election by the public. Bureaucrats, or civil servants, are usually hired based on merit and qualifications rather than elected by voters. Federal congressional staffers are employed by elected officials to help manage legislative duties and do not have a role in the electoral process themselves. Thus, mayors stand out as the representatives who derive their authority directly from the electorate.