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Oct 4, 2024 · Aristocracy, government by a relatively small privileged class or by a minority consisting of those presumed to be best qualified to rule. Because ‘best qualified to rule’ is an evaluative notion, however, it is difficult to distinguish objectively between aristocratic and oligarchic or timocratic governments.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Aristocracy Definition
- Aristocracy vs. Oligarchy
- History
- Examples
- Sources and Further Reference
The term aristocracy comes from the Greek word aristokratia, meaning “rule by the best,” being those individuals considered to be most qualified to govern the society because of their moral and intellectual superiority. The term aristocracy may apply not only to a governmental ruling class but also to the highest social class in a given society. Ho...
Aristocracy and oligarchy are both forms of government in which the society is ruled by a small group of people. However, there are some key differences. Most significantly, while aristocracy is “rule by the best,” oligarchy is “rule by the few.” Aristocracies are comprised of individuals considered best fit to rule because of their nobility—a leve...
First conceived in Ancient Greece by philosopher Aristotle, aristocracy grew to be the predominant form of governmental power throughout Europe. In these medieval aristocracies, the aristocrats were chosen simply because they were considered to be the best suited to rule and lead their particular community. As societies grew larger and more economi...
While social aristocracies still exist in most countries today, they have little if any political influence. Instead, the long-past “golden age” of aristocratic government rule is best typified by the aristocracies of the United Kingdom, Russia, and France.
Doyle, William. “Aristocracy: A Very Short Introduction.”Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN-10: 0199206783.Cannadine, David. “Aspects of Aristocracy.”Yale University Press, 1994, ISBN-10: 0300059817.Robinson, J. “The English Aristocracy: A Beginner's Guide to Their Titles, Rank, and Forms of Address.”CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2014, ISBN-10: 1500465127.Smith, Douglas. “Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy.”Picador, 2013, ISBN-10: 1250037794.- Robert Longley
Aristocracy (from Ancient Greek ἀριστοκρατίᾱ (aristokratíā) 'rule of the best'; from ἄριστος (áristos) 'best' and κράτος (krátos) 'power, strength') is a form of government that places power in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class, the aristocrats.
Jun 11, 2018 · The aristocracy in preindustrial European states combined specific economic, social, and political characteristics that differentiated it from other social strata at the time, and from subsequent notions of aristocracy in industrial and postindustrial societies.
Definition. Aristocracy refers to a form of government where power is held by a small privileged ruling class, typically comprised of the nobility or elite members of society. This system often relies on hereditary status, where leadership and social standing are passed down through family lines, emphasizing a belief in the superiority of ...
May 21, 2024 · Aristocracy refers to a traditional ruling class that historically derived its power from controlling agricultural production. This class reached its zenith during the feudal system but gradually faced challenges from emerging social groups during the Industrial Revolution. Despite this shift, many aristocratic families adapted and retained ...
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Jun 24, 2021 · Aristocracy literally translates as rule by the best. It is a form of government in which the rulers are a handful of the most intellectually and morally superior people in a society. The term, “aristocracy” is attributed to ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Historically, an aristocracy has consisted of certain “noble” families and ...
