Which leader famously described democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people?

Introduction / Context:
Many conceptual questions in civics and political science refer to classical definitions of democracy. One of the most quoted descriptions of democratic government comes from a speech delivered during the American Civil War. Knowing who gave this definition helps candidates not only in general knowledge exams but also in understanding the spirit of democratic governance.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The definition states that democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.- The options list important leaders from the United States and the United Kingdom.- Standard political science texts attribute this exact phrase to one particular leader.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase is linked to the Gettysburg Address, a short but powerful speech delivered during the American Civil War. It captures three essential characteristics of democracy: popular basis, popular administration and service to the people. Remembering that the Gettysburg Address was delivered by United States President Abraham Lincoln provides a direct path to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
- Step 1: Identify the quote as the famous description of democracy highlighting of the people, by the people and for the people.- Step 2: Recall that this line occurs in the Gettysburg Address, delivered in eighteen sixty three.- Step 3: Connect the Gettysburg Address with Abraham Lincoln, the United States President during the Civil War.- Step 4: Compare the options and see that only Abraham Lincoln matches this historical context.- Step 5: Select Abraham Lincoln as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to remember that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were founding figures of the United States but did not deliver the Gettysburg Address, which occurred long after the American Revolution. Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt belong to different time periods and contexts. Multiple school textbooks and civics guides explicitly cite Abraham Lincoln name with this definition, which serves as strong confirmation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
George Washington was the first President of the United States and a Revolutionary War leader, but he did not coin this description of democracy.Theodore Roosevelt served as President later and is known for progressive policies, yet he is not associated with this famous phrase.Winston Churchill was a British Prime Minister during the Second World War and therefore cannot be the source of a classic American Civil War era quote.Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and contributed important ideas on liberty, but he did not give the Gettysburg Address or this specific wording.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse different quotes related to democracy and may attribute them to other leaders known for strong oratory, such as Churchill. Another pitfall is to associate the quote with the general idea of founding fathers and choose Washington or Jefferson without focusing on the Civil War context. Careful reading of introductory political science material and remembering the link between Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address will prevent such mistakes.

Final Answer:
The leader who described democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people is Abraham Lincoln.