Oligarchy (Noun)
Meaning
A political system governed by a few people; "one of his cardinal convictions was that Britain was not run as a democracy but as an oligarchy"; "the big cities were notoriously in the hands of the oligarchy of local businessmen".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The wealthy elite formed an oligarchy that controlled the government and dictated policy.
- Critics argued that the country was not a true democracy but rather an oligarchy dominated by a small group of powerful individuals.
- The oligarchy of corporate leaders and politicians worked together to pass laws that benefited their own interests.
- Historians have long debated whether ancient Greece was an oligarchy or a true democracy.
- In the city, an oligarchy of corrupt officials and businessmen had taken control, using their power for personal gain.