What does it mean when it is said that the United States is a "government of the people, by the people, for the people"?

The phrase "government of the people, by the people, for the people" highlights the fundamental principle of democracy, emphasizing that a government derives its authority from the citizens it serves. It signifies that the legitimacy of the government is based on the consent and participation of the populace. This concept reinforces that the government exists to serve the interests and needs of the people as a whole, and that citizen engagement, whether through voting or civic participation, is essential for a functioning democracy.

This interpretation aligns directly with the idea that a government is created and maintained by the citizens' consent. Citizens have a voice in how they are governed and contribute to the decision-making processes that impact their lives. By contrast, the other options don't encapsulate the essence of democratic governance as outlined in the phrase.

The notion of governance solely by the wealthy and powerful or being run only by elected officials does not reflect the underlying principle of broad public involvement and accountability. Similarly, being dependent on foreign support contradicts the idea of self-governance that this statement represents, as it implies a lack of sovereignty and autonomy in determining one’s own governance.