Which term describes a government in which a few people hold power?

Which term describes a government in which a few people hold power?

• A. Theocracy
• B. Autocracy
• C. Democracy
• D. Oligarchy

Answer: (D)

When power is held by a few people, the government is described as an oligarchy. In an oligarchy, a small group—often wealthy individuals, aristocrats, or leaders of a close-knit faction—makes most of the decisions and rules in the group’s own interest, with limited participation or influence from the broader population. This setup concentrates political control and can limit accountability to the general public. This contrasts with a democracy, where the people have a say in governance; an autocracy, where one person holds all the power; and a theocracy, where religious authorities or principles guide rule. Oligarchies typically endure because the small group can use institutions like the legislature, courts, or media to maintain influence and protect their interests.

When power is held by a few people, the government is described as an oligarchy. In an oligarchy, a small group—often wealthy individuals, aristocrats, or leaders of a close-knit faction—makes most of the decisions and rules in the group’s own interest, with limited participation or influence from the broader population. This setup concentrates political control and can limit accountability to the general public.

This contrasts with a democracy, where the people have a say in governance; an autocracy, where one person holds all the power; and a theocracy, where religious authorities or principles guide rule. Oligarchies typically endure because the small group can use institutions like the legislature, courts, or media to maintain influence and protect their interests.