what is an oligarchy
what is an aristocracy?
what is a polity
what is a monarchy
what is a tyranny
2007-09-01 13:20:57 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
democracy - government by the people or by their elected representatives
oligarchy - a political system governed by a few people
aristocracy - nobility: a privileged class holding hereditary titles
polity - civil order: the form of government of a social organization
monarchy - an autocracy governed by a monarch (king, queen, emperor, etc.) who usually inherits the authority
tyranny - dictatorship: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
2007-09-01 13:30:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Democracy is where the ultimate political power is held by the people (citizens, voters) -- and it can be exercised either directly as a pure (polyarchal) democracy -- or it can be indirect, as a democratic republic.
An oligarchy is any political system where power is held by a very few people -- whether by caste, or by income, or IQ, or feudal power, or whatever -- the key is that only those select few control everything.
And aristocracy is where the power is held by a ruling class or caste -- either inherited or based on some other form of status -- it may be oligarchal if there are very few members, or it may be a republic if the aristocrats represent the general population.
A monarchy is where all power is held by one person (or one couple) -- the crown has ultimate political authority and can delegate power.
A tyranny usually exists as a monarch or oligarchy -- but where power is seized and held by force, rather than by inheritance or bloodline.
2007-09-01 20:30:43 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Democracy: The free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the majority of the people.
Oligarchy: A small group of people who together govern a nation or control an organization, often for their own purposes.
Aristocracy: People of noble families or the highest social class
Polity: A particular form of government that exists within a state or an institution
Monarchy: A political system in which a state is ruled by a monarch
Tyranny: oppressive government by one or more people who exercise absolute power cruelly and unjustly
2007-09-01 23:37:48 · answer #3 · answered by Amaja D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Democracy, as defined by various prominent people:
GORE VIDAL: "Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues, and with interchangeable candidates."
BENJAMIN LICHTENBERG: "Democracy [is] the state of affairs in which you consent to having your pocket picked, and elect the best man to do it."
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW: "Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.'
KEITH PRESTON: "Democracy: an institution in which the 'whole' is equal to the 'scum' of its parts."
ANONYMOUS: "Democracy is a government where you can say what you think even if you don't think."
PLATO: "Democracy passes into despotism."
ARISTOTLE: "The basis of a democratic state is liberty."
As for all the other definitions you asked for, several people have already given you enlightened answers. -RKO- 09/01/07
2007-09-01 21:38:39 · answer #4 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We (the USA) are not a democracy. The USA is a representative republic. Read the constitution. As for the
other questions just 'google' it and you will get a complete
definition.
2007-09-01 20:38:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋