2006-10-27 07:36:43 · 6 answers · asked by - 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Historically aristocracy means government by "the best" whilst oligarchy is government where power is wielded by a small group. It might be a powerful family or a wealthy group.
Again aristocrats are usually from wealthy famillies who keep the power by keeping the wealth by passing it to the oldest male as in the British royal family.
Oligarchs don`t neccessary have government positions but are the power and control behind the throne. It could be said that rule by an aristocracy can also be a oligarchy in fact it could be said that all governments are Oligarchies as the people behind governments are usually the most rich and powerful.
2006-10-27 08:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two very different things.
An Oligarchy is a system of government whereby one class or catagory of people are the only ones allowed to rule. For example - right wingers decry these activist judges legislating from the bench as leading us to an oligarchy - one where the Judges would rule.
Aristocracy, on the other hand, has not so much to do with who is in power politcally, although they can and usually are "members" of the Aristocracy. It has more to do with who is famous, who gets the "Red Carpet" treatment, and all that sort of crap.
2006-10-27 14:52:55 · answer #2 · answered by APRock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An oligarchy is a small group of leaders making decisions as the governing body, all of them having a say as to the decisions for the welfare of the country. Appointment of successors with accordance to decisions of the State or of the People.
Whereas an Aristocracy is equivalent to a monarchy, whereby the leading seat of government is passed down from generations to generations with accordance to family connections (royal family and blood). An example would be the Throne of England, whereby after Queen Elizabeth finished her time, Prince Charles would ascend the throne and so forth to his sons.
Dictionary.com would have a better explanation! :D
2006-10-27 14:53:10 · answer #3 · answered by Sayehan A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aristiocracy refers to a group of people who have inherited nobility ranking socially above ordinary or common people but below royalty. Oligarchy refers to a state or organisation in which a small group excercises control for their own interests. Oligarchy does not necessarily have anything to do with birthrights or inheritance.
2006-10-27 14:47:44 · answer #4 · answered by edith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oligarchs is a mob in control of state,Aristocrats are people related to ruling class may or may not be in power.Prime example RUSSIAN OLIGARCHS and BRITISH LORDS.
2006-10-27 16:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by Dr.O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BIG WORD OVERLOAD
2006-10-27 14:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋