What is the meaning of Aristocracy?

Aristocracy is a form of government in which only a few people that hold a huge amount of wealth and influence are given the power to rule society. Government positions are reserved for a small group that includes those who are members of the upper classes of society and often this government position is handed down to a relative.

The ancient Greeks gave us the word aristocracy, “Aristo” meaning best and “Kratos” meaning power. This concept also came from them.

In this system, wealth, race and bloodline that a person possesses are highly considered when determining a person’s right to rule, regardless of whether that person has the qualifications or the ability to function as part of the group that will rule over the society.

Example of Aristocracy

Many city-states of ancient Greece used this system of government where a council of the best men was chosen to rule, this was to balance the absolute power of a monarch king.

The Brahman caste of India, Spartans of Sparta, the Patricians of Rome and the royalty of medieval times in Europe are some of the examples of an aristocratic society. 

During the feudal and medieval period, most aristocrats are mostly landowners that have influence that sometimes sway the decisions of the monarchs.

At the advent of the industrial revolution, aristocrats slowly lose influence over the national policies as the bourgeoisie slowly gain influence over the socio-economic activities of the society