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plutocracy

noun

/pluːˈtɒkrəsi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of plutocracy

A country which is ruled exclusively by the wealthy few, either directly or indirectly.
"Critics argued that the government had become a puppet of the plutocracy."

Detailed meaning of plutocracy

Plutocracy is a form of government in which the power is held by a small group of wealthy individuals or families. This group of people, often referred to as plutocrats, use their wealth to exert control over political and economic decision-making. This can manifest itself in various forms such as buying political influence, control of media, and manipulating the legal system to their advantage.

Plutocracy can also refer to a society where the wealthy exercise a disproportionate amount of power, and their interests are prioritized over those of the general population. In this sense, the term is often used to describe a society where the rich dominate and control the political and economic systems to their benefit, while the rest of the population struggles to make ends meet. This can lead to increasing inequality and social unrest.

It's worth noting that Plutocracy is not a formal type of government and it can happen in different forms of government such as democracy, republic and even in autocracies. It refers to the reality of power distribution where a small group of wealthy individuals or families hold disproportionate power and influence.

Example sentences containing plutocracy

1. The plutocracy uses its wealth to influence politics and control the media.
2. Critics argued that the government had become a puppet of the plutocracy.
3. The country was increasingly seen as a plutocracy, where the wealthy held all the power.
4. Plutocracy often leads to economic inequality and social unrest.
5. In a plutocracy, wealth can be a ticket to political influence.
6. The rise of a plutocracy can undermine the principles of democracy.

History and etymology of plutocracy

The noun 'plutocracy' has its etymological origins in Greek. It combines 'ploutos,' meaning 'wealth,' and 'kratos,' meaning 'rule' or 'power.' Therefore, 'plutocracy' can be understood as 'rule by the wealthy' or 'the dominance of wealth in governance.' It describes a system of government in which political power is concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy elite who often wield influence either directly through their wealth or indirectly by controlling key institutions and policies. 'Plutocracy' highlights the role of economic inequality and the influence of wealth on the political landscape. Its etymology reflects its historical connection to discussions about wealth disparity and the potential consequences of a society where financial resources are a primary determinant of political influence and control.

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Further usage examples of plutocracy

1. Citizens protested against what they saw as a plutocratic takeover of their government.
2. The media played a crucial role in exposing the workings of the plutocracy.
3. Lobbyists from the plutocracy often had a significant impact on policy decisions.
4. Some believed that campaign finance reform was necessary to combat plutocracy.
5. The concentration of wealth in a plutocracy can stifle upward mobility.
6. Under the rule of the plutocracy, corporate interests dominated government decisions.
7. The concept of a plutocracy challenges the idea of equal representation.
8. Activists called for greater transparency to combat the influence of the plutocracy.
9. The plutocracy's grip on power led to widespread disillusionment among the populace.
10. International observers raised concerns about the country's slide into plutocracy.
11. Academics debated the implications of a society evolving into a plutocracy.
12. The judiciary faced criticism for its perceived bias in favor of the plutocracy.
13. Efforts to curb the influence of the plutocracy faced strong opposition.
14. The wealthy elite in the country were often seen as the architects of the plutocracy.
15. Addressing the issues of a plutocracy required comprehensive political reform.