Oligarchy
Modern depictions of aristocracy tend to regard it not as a legitimate aristocracy (rule by the best), but rather as a plutocracy (rule by the rich).
Some names for the form of government ruled by the rich or powerful might include, a plutocracy (rule by the wealthy), an oligarchy (rule by the wealthy, connected, educated, royalty), or maybe an aristocracy (rule by a small class of privileged).
As rule of "the best", aristocratic government and society is characterized mainly by a small group of leaders distinguished by wealth, influence, class, tradition, or some other status. Also characteristic of aristocracy is that leadership roles are not determined by general-population voting but by decision or process within the governing group alone.
Aristocracy
Rule by the rich aristocracy.
Modern depictions of aristocracy tend to regard it not as a legitimate aristocracy (rule by the best), but rather as a plutocracy (rule by the rich).
Aristocracy is a small group of people who are perceived as superior to the common citizenry by virtue of wealth or nobility or rule of the best. The word "aristocracy" is derived from the Greek root aristos, meaning best, noblest, or most virtuous.
rule by a small group of people
Some names for the form of government ruled by the rich or powerful might include, a plutocracy (rule by the wealthy), an oligarchy (rule by the wealthy, connected, educated, royalty), or maybe an aristocracy (rule by a small class of privileged).
aristocracy
An aristocracy is the term you seek.
As rule of "the best", aristocratic government and society is characterized mainly by a small group of leaders distinguished by wealth, influence, class, tradition, or some other status. Also characteristic of aristocracy is that leadership roles are not determined by general-population voting but by decision or process within the governing group alone.
A government controlled by a small privileged and powerful group is called an oligarchy.When that group consists of aristocrats, it is called an aristocracy.
Aristocracy
Rule by the rich aristocracy.
Intelligentsia
A "Dictatorship" is power derived through a single source, normally a single person or very small group of people; a dictatorship is a subset government under the Aristocracy definition: unquestionable rule by some right or power. A "Democracy" is rule by mass will of the people, it is sometimes termed as Mobocracy (the will of the majority sets the rule of law).