Oligarchy is a form of government where a small group of people enjoys complete governing power in the count. In this type of system, power rests with a small number of people.
These people may or may not be distinguished by one or several characteristics, such as nobility, fame, wealth, education, or corporate, religious, political, or military control.
Characteristics of Oligarchy
- Exclusivity: Barriers to entering the ruling class
- Concentrated wealth: One small group of people has most of the wealth (monetary wealth or other forms of wealth)
- Limited political influence from citizens: The public is unable to influence political decisions in significant ways.
The Iron Law Of Oligarchy
The Iron Law of Oligarchy states that every form of government or organization will eventually transform into an oligarchy. Robert Michels, the man behind the term, explains this process in his book “Political Parties” in the following steps.
One, any organization or form of government will tend to have a hierarchy for the proper division of labor. The complexity of this hierarchy will continuously increase with the growth of the organization, for proper administrative efficiency.
This then would lead to the second step, which is the concentration of power in the hands of the people holding higher positions in the hierarchy. The minority holding the power then tends to dominate, hence transforming the system into an oligarchy.
Types of Oligarchies
- Aristocracy: An aristocracy is ruled by an elite class, usually a royal family and the transfer of powers is hereditary. The ruling class enjoys both social and economic prestige, apart from the political powers.
- Plutocracy: A plutocracy is a form of government controlled by the rich and the wealthy. Plutocracy can be exercised either directly, i.e. by having direct control of the state, or indirectly, by influencing the authorities in power.
- Kraterocracy: A kraterocracy is a form of government in which the ruling party is mightier in physical powers. Political powers are usually seized with the help of physical force or threat. Krateocracy, thus, follows the principle of “might makes right”.
- Stratocracy: A stratocracy is a form of government in which the military exercises the ruling powers. This military control is different from military dictatorship as the officials under stratocracy are honourably given the power to govern.
- Timocracy: A stratocracy is a form of government in which the military exercises the ruling powers. This military control is different from military dictatorship as the officials under stratocracy are honourably given the power to govern.
- Theocracy: A theocracy is a form of government in which a religious entity holds Supreme power. These powers are exercised by the members of the religious institutions. The rule of the Pope or “Supreme Leader” comes under a theocracy.
