Oligarchy - Wikipedia
WEBOligarchy (from Ancient Greek ὀλιγαρχία (oligarkhía) 'rule by few'; from ὀλίγος (olígos) 'few' and ἄρχω (árkhō) 'to rule, command') [1] [2] [3] is a conceptual form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people.
Oligarchy | Definition & Facts | Britannica
WEBJul 27, 2024 · Oligarchy, government by the few, especially despotic power exercised by a small and privileged group for corrupt or selfish purposes. Oligarchies in which members of the ruling group are wealthy or exercise their power …
Oligarchy Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
WEB1. : government by the few. The corporation is ruled by oligarchy. 2. : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes. a military oligarchy was established in the country. also : a group exercising such control. An oligarchy ruled the nation. 3. : an organization under oligarchic control.
What Is an Oligarchy? Definition and Examples - ThoughtCo
WEBNov 14, 2019 · An oligarchy is a power structure made up of a few elite individuals, families, or corporations that are allowed to control a country or organization. This article examines the characteristics of oligarchies, their …
Oligarchy - National Geographic Society
WEBOct 19, 2023 · Broadly speaking, an oligarchy is a form of government characterized by the rule of a few persons or families. More specifically, the term was used by Greek philosopher Aristotle in contrast to aristocracy, which was another term to …
OLIGARCHY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
WEBa small group of very powerful people that controls a government or society: The powerful socio-economic oligarchy tried to preserve its privileged status. The country is run by a …
What is an oligarchy? Definition and examples throughout history.
WEBMar 10, 2023 · An oligarchy is a form of government, just as a democracy or monarchy is. Here's how it works and a few examples of countries some say it applies to.