What is grafting?

• A. The act of bribing officials to influence elections
• B. The process of building sewers
• C. The use of public office to benefit yourself or others personally
• D. The practice of nepotism in hiring

Answer: (C)

Grafting is using a public office for private gain. It happens when someone in government leverages their position to obtain money, favors, contracts, or other benefits for themselves or people they know. This abuse of official power—extracting personal advantages through their role—defines graft. You might see it as kickbacks from contractors, siphoning funds, or steering opportunities to friends or relatives in exchange for favors. The key idea is the misuse of public authority for personal benefit, not merely doing the job or hiring relatives; bribery to influence elections or neutral, ordinary nepotism aren’t the core of graft themselves.