Question

a similarity between the leaders of state executive and legislative branches is that
they serve four year terms of office.
they are usually elected by popular vote.
they are responsible for making state laws.
they have budget-approval responsibilities.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Some state legislative leaders (like in some states with two - year legislative terms) don't serve four - year terms, so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: State executive leaders (e.g., governors) and most state legislative leaders are elected by popular vote. This is a common feature.
3. Analyze Option 3: The executive branch (led by governor etc.) is not responsible for making state laws (that's the legislative branch's job), so this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option 4: The executive branch does not have budget - approval responsibilities in the same way as the legislative branch (legislative often has more direct budget - approval power), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. they are usually elected by popular vote.