Oligarchy

Lexus Drumgold, Ben Feinstein, Dan Sitnik, Alanna Batista Hunter Sussman

General Definition

A small group of people who have control over a country, organization, or institution. Such people are recognized by their royalty, wealth, education, corporate, religious, and/or military control. Power can also be generational, but it is not a requirement to rule.

Throughout history, oligarchies have been known to be negative, and therefore some people are resentful of this type of government.

The term derives from the Greek words olígos and arkho, which mean “few” and “to rule or command.”

Oligarchy can also be broken down into other forms of government:

• Plutocracy: A society ruled by the small minority of the wealthiest citizens
• Aristocracy: A form of government where power is in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class
• In ancient times, Aristotle used oligarchy to refer to poor rulers, and aristocracy to refer to upstanding rulers
• Military Junta: A form of government where power is held by several military leaders

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Examples

• Some Greek city-states
• The Etruscans
• Some Middle Ages Italian cities
• Russia, China, and the USA, to a debateable extent.

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Many cities, particularly during the Renaissance and Middle Ages, ended up being largely controlled by merchant guilds and aristocrats.

While officially practicing other forms of government, the degree to which merchants/businessmen and aristocrats influence government actions often can make a nation appear oligarchic.

Oligarchy and other forms of government can often overlap and reach a grey area.

Drawbacks

• Oligarchies rarely benefit those who are not in power. In most oligarchies there is a massive gap between the upper and lower classes. This is because oligarchies commonly increase the wealth of the wealthy while the poor become poorer, resulting in the middle class being squeezed out.

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• Since the country is controlled only by a select group of people, anyone outside of that group has little to no say in anything that happens in their society.

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Benefits

Since an oligarchy government is controlled by few people, decisions are made quicker and more efficiently than compared to a democratic government.

Although the decision can be made quickly, unlike a government where one person is in charge, there are still debates and different opinions and perspectives over a decision between the few in power.

Oligarchy also allows for common people to focus on their lives and not worry about political problems, as that would be the responsibility of the few in power.

Power comes from the wealthy ruling class, so there is potential for women to be in a position of power.

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References

Carr, Karen. "What Is Oligarchy?" - Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.

Gabriel, Brian. "The Advantages & Disadvantages of an Oligarchy." EHow. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.

"Oligarchy Countries." Oligarchy Countries. SoftUvista, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.

"7 Crucial Pros and Cons of an Oligarchy | NLCATP.org." NLCATPorg. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.

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