Demagoguery is a term of Greek origin that means "art or power to lead the people". It is a form of political action in which there is a clear interest in manipulating or pleasing the popular mass, including promises that most likely will not be fulfilled, with the sole aim of conquering power political.
A demagogic speech is, for example, delivered in an electoral campaign using powerful oratory techniques that will sensitize and entice the electorate to cast their vote. Demagogue is the name given to individuals who practice demagoguery.
When the expression first appeared, it had no pejorative sense, and demagogues were defenders of democracy, like Solon and Demosthenes. However, the expression evolved in its semantic form after Pericles' death, when new leaders emerged and were heavily criticized for their way of doing politics.
Figuratively speaking, demagoguery is a practice of those who appear humbly or honestly in order to obtain unclear favors. Another form of demagoguery is for an individual to aggrandize himself to attract recognition or admiration from others.
Aristotle Demagoguery
In the book "The Politics", Aristotle points to demagogy as the corruption of democracy just as tyranny corresponded to the corruption of monarchy. Even a good king could turn into a tyrant, if the flattery of his servants made him think only of himself and not think of his people.
The courtiers' excessive praise could make the king think that only his well-being is important. In this way, the king was corrupted but not only: he was manipulated for the benefit of sycophantic servants.
Likewise, nowadays democracy is corrupted thanks to demagoguery when some elements of the political class (comparable to the courtiers of in the past) - which should serve the sovereignty of the people - use strategies to deceive them, making promises that will never be fulfilled, all for their own benefit.