- Definition: Oligarchy is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small group. This group can be elected or come into power by other means such as wealth or family connections. The key characteristic of an oligarchy is the concentration of power, regardless of the method of attaining it.
- Etymology and Origin:
- Derived from the Greek “oligos” (few) and “archein” (to rule), oligarchy historically means rule by a few.
- An example of this is the Athenian government during the Peloponnesian War, where power shifted to a group of 400 elected legislators. This change was seen as a move from a more inclusive democracy to an oligarchic system.
- In contemporary discourse, there is often a misappropriation of the term “democracy.” Many modern political systems labeled as democracies may actually function as oligarchies. This mislabelling occurs when a small group, often elected, holds disproportionate power and influence, contrary to the broader, more inclusive ideals of a true democracy.
This perspective acknowledges the complexities in modern governance, where the democratic process of electing officials doesn’t always equate to a democratic distribution of power. It highlights how the term “democracy” can be misused to describe systems that are, in essence, more oligarchic, concentrating power in the hands of a few rather than distributing it among the many.
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