What is the term for a government ruled by a small group of powerful people?

A government system where power is concentrated in the hands of a select few is known as an oligarchy. This term originates from the ancient Greek words "oligos," meaning "few," and "arkhein," meaning "to rule," literally translating to "rule by the few." Unlike a democracy, where power is broadly distributed among the populace, or an autocracy, where a single individual holds absolute authority, an oligarchy centralizes control within a small, exclusive group.

The powerful individuals within an oligarchy, often referred to as oligarchs, can derive their influence from various sources. These may include significant wealth, strong family connections, military strength, or substantial political sway. Such a concentration of power often results in limited political participation for the general public, who have little direct influence over governmental policies or leadership. The ruling elite frequently makes decisions that favor their own interests rather than addressing broader societal needs, leading to potential social, economic, and political inequalities.

Historically, the concept of oligarchy was discussed by ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, who viewed it as a debased form of aristocracy, where power was exercised by a few individuals not for the common good but for selfish purposes. Ancient Sparta, for instance, is often cited as a historical example of an oligarchy, ruled by a small group of military elites. While rarely self-proclaimed, oligarchic tendencies can manifest in various political systems, with power sometimes remaining within the same dominant group across generations.