The same holds true for an oligarchy, where the powerful clique mostly indulges in ‘behind-the-throne’ politics, by projecting a puppet leader as the face of the government, and using brutal repression to keep the masses in control. In most cases, they may influence decision-makers by legal and illegal means, like lobbying, bearing campaign costs, and bribing. Power StructureĪ plutocracy does not always mean that wealthy individuals are directly involved in the administration. Thus, both, a plutocracy and an aristocracy are different forms of an oligarchy. If the wealthy are considered, then such an oligarchy would be a plutocracy, and if race or social status is considered, then the oligarchy would be an aristocracy.

Since it is a government of a few, the deciding factor here is what constitutes this ‘few’. On the contrary, an oligarchy has a much wider scope. These aristocracies may thus have a plutocratic element, since the wealth of the nobility helps them retain their power. An aristocracy, being restricted to the upper sections of society, may reserve certain privileges to only these classes, including wealth. Of the three systems considered here, a plutocracy is the most specific form of government, since it is explicitly based on wealth. On the other hand, through most of history, aristocracies have found wider acceptance, because power is given in the most capable hands, at least in an ideal situation. DefinitionĪn aristocracy is a type of government run by members of the traditional elite of a society, who are considered the most fit to rule. This article specifically deals with the differences and comparison between an aristocracy, plutocracy, and oligarchy. Thankfully, most of these systems were used more in historical times.

While that may have got you thinking of a monarchy, there are other systems which fit this description too, such as an oligarchy, theocracy, plutocracy, dictatorship, aristocracy, to name a few. However, there are many other forms of government where the future of politicians doesn’t depend on our votes. Most of us don’t even spare a thought for such civil rights as we go about our daily lives. Governments of most countries around the world, except a handful, are democracies, where we are allowed to select a leader who represents our ambitions. It also strives to attain the common aspirations of its society as a whole. The government of a country plays a vital role in fulfilling the needs of its citizens, and defending them from conflicts. There is a political belief called the ‘iron law of oligarchy’, which says that no matter what kind of government a country may have, it ultimately turns into an oligarchy.

Oligarchy vs. plutocracy