Democracy is a rule of the majority. The poor are in majority. So democracy must be a rule of the poor. How can this not be the case?

While democracy is majority rule and the poor are often the majority, several factors prevent it from translating into rule by the poor. Wealthy individuals and corporations exert significant influence through campaign financing and lobbying, skewing politics in their favour. Education disparities and media influence, often controlled by the wealthy, shape public opinion away from the interests of the poor.

Economic inequality leads to political inequality, with wealthier individuals leveraging their resources and social capital for greater political influence. Institutional biases and corruption further tilt policies towards elite interests.

Moreover, the poor are not a monolithic group; their diverse and sometimes conflicting interests hinder unified political action. Immediate survival needs often overshadow long-term political engagement for the poor. Populist leaders might exploit this by making short-term promises without addressing structural issues.

Thus, despite being the majority, the poor often do not rule in a democracy due to these complex, interlinked barriers. Reforms promoting political equity, transparency, and inclusion are essential for a democracy that truly reflects the interests of the majority, including the poor.