Question

In an oligarchy, who runs the government?

Answer 1

In an oligarchy, a small and privileged group of individuals or entities hold significant political power and influence, and they effectively run the government. This select few can come from various backgrounds, such as wealthy families, business elites, military leaders, or other influential groups.

Key characteristics of an oligarchy include:

1. **Concentration of Power:** Power and decision-making authority are concentrated within the hands of a few, rather than being distributed among the broader population.

2. **Limited Participation:** The majority of the population has limited or no participation in the political process. Political power and leadership positions are typically not accessible to ordinary citizens through free and fair elections.

3. **Economic and Social Inequality:** Oligarchies often coincide with significant economic and social inequality, with the ruling elite having disproportionate control over resources and wealth.

4. **Influence Over Policies:** Oligarchs typically use their influence to shape government policies and legislation in ways that serve their interests, which may not align with the broader welfare of the population.

5. **Maintaining Control:** Oligarchs often use various means to maintain their control, including censorship, repression of dissent, and control over media and information.

It's important to note that oligarchies can take various forms and degrees of openness. In some cases, they may operate behind the scenes, exerting influence without holding formal positions in government, while in other cases, they may openly control the government and hold key leadership positions. Oligarchies can exist within different political systems, including democracies, authoritarian regimes, and monarchies, making it a complex and diverse concept in political science.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

An oligarchy is a form of government in which power is held by a small, elite group who run the government and make policy decisions based on their own interests.

Step-by-step explanation:

An oligarchy is a form of government in which power is held by a small, elite group. Unlike in a monarchy, members of an oligarchy do not necessarily achieve their statuses based on ties to noble ancestry. Instead, they may ascend to positions of power because of military might, economic power, or other similar circumstances.

In an oligarchy, the government is run by a small group of powerful individuals who hold all the decision-making authority. This group, known as the oligarchs, may consist of wealthy businessmen, military leaders, or influential individuals with access to resources and power. These oligarchs have significant control over the government and often make policies that serve their own interests.