What is the difference between polyarchy and polycracy?

Answer 1

These two words are generally regarded as synonyms.

The following differences are suggested by the etymology, resting on differences if any between "political rule" (a matter of form) and "political power" (a matter of real efficacy). Also, differences may hinge on different connotations of the words 'one', 'few', 'many', and 'all'.

A polyarchy is a political order with many rulers. This is in contrast to a monarchy (a political order with oneruler) and arguably an oligarchy (a political order with a few but not many rulers). Alternatively, a polyarchy may refer to a political order with more than one ruler, whether it be few or many.

A polycracy is a political order in which political (social, economic, legal) power is possessed by manymembers of the community (vs. only one or just a few). By this account, a democracy is a polycracy in which political power is possessed by all citizens. A polycracy need not be a democracy in that political power may be possessed by many but not all of its citizens.

On this account, a polycracy need not be a polyarchy. For instance, a monarchy can in fact be a polycracy. Likewise, a polyarchy need not be a polycracy. Namely, a polyarchy may in fact be an autocracy or monocracy.