I'm not sure I follow you. Basically, they had a bunch of people sign a petition to show that the public wants the government to spend what they previously agreed to spend, rather than lowering support in favor of other programs. At least, that's how I remember one of the campaigns going. They are just giving the public a method of communicating to their government. And the government doesn't (or, at least, shouldn't) do things without input from the public. They are dictating nothing. They are just a way to help steer positive change. So, to answer your question: 1) it's a trick question, they're not dictating anything and 2) the public is driving the effort anyway, by giving ONE their voice.
[WikiLeaks Cablegate Cables]