answer:My thought: almost never. They make the sponsor of the petition feel good, like they are actually doing something. And they might make the signer feel like they have made some sort of contribution. But the receiver of the petition – who has presumably decided already NOT to do whatever is requested (otherwise there would be no need for a petition) is under no obligation to (a) read, (b) follow, or© even take seriously what the petition is about. Remember that petitions are in no way representative or a fair way to measure what the population thinks. Petitions are by definition created by supporters of a point of view, and make no effort to represent or even count non-supporters. Petitions are essentially created by biased pressure groups trying to push their agenda, and make no effort to be fair, balanced, or even rational. Basically, the petition process is an aberrant end run around the democratic process. Most people understand that, which is why petitions are often completely ineffective.