answersLogoWhite

0

Oligarchy originated in ancient Greece and meant 'rule of the few'. The few means anything short of the full population, and could be narrow- a group of aristocrats, or broadly-based, such as all those who were landowners and warriors. In modern usage it applies to the more limited definition, but most oligarchies have been replaced by democracies ('people power').

Examples of an oligarchy are Athens in the Seventh Century BCE, Britain in the 18th Century AD, and currently several Middle East and African countries eg Saudi Arabia. The fact that there may be a nominal king (monarchy) is not relevant in real terms, it is where the power lies.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?