What is a characteristic of an oligarchy?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a defining feature or trait that characterizes an oligarchy, which is a form of government where power is held by a small group of people.
Answer
A small group of elite individuals holds most or all political power.
A characteristic of an oligarchy is that a small group of elite individuals holds most or all political power.
Answer for screen readers
A characteristic of an oligarchy is that a small group of elite individuals holds most or all political power.
More Information
Oligarchies can occur in various forms, from political to economic, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often causing barriers to entry into the ruling class.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse an oligarchy with other forms of government like a monarchy or aristocracy, which also involve rule by a few but have different structures and historical contexts.
Sources
- Oligarchy - National Geographic Society - nationalgeographic.org
- Oligarchy | Definition & Facts | Britannica - britannica.com
- Oligarchy Definition, Characteristics & Examples - Study.com - study.com
