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An oligarchy is any type of government in which power is held by relatively few people. An oligarchy may take many different forms. For example, a republic may be an oligarchy if only a relatively few people have the right to vote. In most oligarchies, the ruling group has power because of its wealth or military authority. The advantages of this would be that the nation/country would be capable of making swift decisions, and acting quickly.

One may argue, based primarily on the work of sociologist C. Wright Mills, that oligarchy is a permanent element of our republic. The notion that we citizens elect leaders (who "lead" us but do not "rule" us) stops short of a pertinent point: in each Presidential election, though in reality hundreds of candidates run on various ballots trhoughout the country, only two--one Democrat and one Republican--have a chance of winning. The last third party candidate to carry a state was George Wallace in 1968 (he carried 5 southern states for 46 electoral votes). Essentially, what we see is a two-party system dominated by the corporate, political, and military elite who hold the power to support candidates that best serves their goal: to remain powerful. Fortunately, the Bill of Rights (and specific amendments) creates a set of civil liberties and immunities that protects U.S. citizens from government oppression.

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What are the different forms of government according to the number of people who rule?

The different forms of govenrment according to the number of people who rule are Monarchy, Oligarchy, and Democracy.


What is a system of government by groups or officials?

A system of government by groups or officials is known as an oligarchy. In an oligarchy, power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals or organizations who hold authority over the state. This form of governance contrasts with a democracy, where power is vested in the hands of the people as a whole. Oligarchies can take various forms, such as a ruling council, a military junta, or a dominant political party.


Which of the three types of government listed on your chart was most simailar to aristocracy?

Aristocracy is most similar to oligarchy, as both forms of government are characterized by the rule of a small, privileged group. In an aristocracy, power is held by the nobility or elite based on birthright, while in an oligarchy, control is often in the hands of a few individuals or families, regardless of their social status. Both systems prioritize the interests of the ruling minority over broader democratic participation.


What forms of government feature rule based on wealth or property ownership?

Forms of government that feature rule based on wealth or property ownership include oligarchy and plutocracy. In an oligarchy, a small group of wealthy individuals or families hold power, often prioritizing their interests over those of the general population. Plutocracy specifically refers to a system where the wealthy elite exert significant influence or control over political decisions and policies, often leading to governance that favors their economic interests. Both systems can undermine democratic principles by limiting political participation to those with substantial resources.


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Related Questions

In which forms of government did heredity play no role in the selection of rulers?

Democracy and oligarchy.


Which forms of government did heredity play no role in the selection of rulers?

Democracy and oligarchy.


What are similarity between oligarchy and dictatorship?

They are both forms of government and no decisions can be made by the people.


What are the different forms of government that can be seen in the world?

democracy, communism, oligarchy, autocracy, capitalism


What were most three common forms of government in ancient Greece?

oligarchy , monarchy , and democracy ... this is my first answer..pimp.


What are the different forms of government according to the number of people who rule?

The different forms of govenrment according to the number of people who rule are Monarchy, Oligarchy, and Democracy.


How Aristotle classified the forms of Government?

Aristotle classified six forms of political constitution: tyranny, monarchy, oligarchy, aristocracy, democracy and finally, polity


What were the three most common forms of government in ancient Greece?

oligarchy , monarchy , and democracy ... this is my first answer..pimp.


What kinds of government did the greek city states have?

Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy, Monarchy, Dictatorship, Theocracy, Oligarchy, Anarchy and Tyranny. These are the forms of government that all Greek city-states had.


The greeks tried many forms of government before they created a democracy how did these various forms of government differ?

The citizens were involved in decision-making in assembly. In monarchy, oligarchy and tyranny, decisions were made by the upper class.


Which early civilization had a republican form of government for part of its existences?

ancient Rome had a republican form of government for part of its existence. It had several forms of government throughout its history, including oligarchy and monarchy.


This is not one of Aristotle's classifications of government?

A totalitarian dictatorship is not one of Aristotle's classifications of government.