Aristocracy is a form of government that places strength in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class, the aristocrats. The term derives from the Greek aristokratíā, meaning 'rule of the best'.

What is the simple meaning of aristocracy?

1 : government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class. 2a : a government in which power is vested (see vest entry 2 sense 1a) in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified. b : a state with such a government.

What is an example of an aristocracy?

An example of an aristocracy is Britain's Royal family. Another example of an aristocracy is the Kennedy family in the United States. A hereditary ruling class; nobility. ... A group or class considered superior to others.

What exactly is an aristocrat?

Historically, aristocrats were persons who, through virtue and merit, achieved elevated positions in society. They were deemed to be 'the best citizens', the most trusted and esteemed members of the social group, and as such, were selected to lead or govern the community.

Who believes in aristocracy?

aristocracy, government by a relatively small privileged class or by a minority consisting of those presumed to be best qualified to rule. As conceived by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 bce), aristocracy means the rule of the few—the morally and intellectually superior—governing in the interest of all.

What Is Aristocracy?

Where did the aristocracy come from?

2 Ancient-world Origins

The word 'aristocracy' is of ancient Greek origin and signifies the 'rule of the best. ' In Homeric times 'the best' signified chiefs of the noble families who pretended to share with the king a descent from the gods, and were also prominent by their wealth and personal prowess.

Which countries are aristocracy?

Once the most common form of government, elite aristocracies have ruled major countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, and France during their histories.

What is an aristocratic society?

The aristocracy is historically associated with "hereditary" or "ruling" social class. In many states, the aristocracy included the upper class of people (aristocrats) with hereditary rank and titles. ... They are usually below only the monarch of a country or nation in its social hierarchy.

What is aristocracy According to Plato?

Aristocracy is the form of government (politeia) advocated in Plato's Republic. This regime is ruled by a philosopher king, and thus is grounded on wisdom and reason. ... In contrast to historical aristocracies, Plato's resembles a meritocracy or proto-technocracy of sorts.

What word class is aristocracy?

countable noun [with singular or plural verb] The aristocracy is a class of people in some countries who have a high social rank and special titles. ... a member of the aristocracy. Synonyms: upper class, elite, nobility, gentry More Synonyms of aristocracy.

What are aristocrats in ancient Greece?

In an aristocracy, a small group of social elites control the government of a nation. In Ancient Greece, the aristocracy ruled the polis with an iron fist until the rule of Archon Solon, who reformed the government for the benefit of the people.

Is aristocracy a good thing?

There is really only one benefit to aristocracy: The best and the brightest will rule the state or society. ... People in civil society might be legally and morally equal to one another, but this does not imply that they have equal and identical rights to income, political power or social prestige.

What is aristocracy in history?

Aristocracy is a kind of government that puts power in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class. In Ancient Greek, the word aristocracy means the rule of the best, but it has come to be linked with rule by Nobility. ... In history, most aristocracies are hereditary.

Is aristocracy and oligarchy the same?

Oligarchy is the rule of the few in a generic way whereas aristocracy is a form of governance where administration or power is in the hands of a special class of people having privileges. ... Oligarchy is seen as a rule of the powerful and corrupt officials whereas aristocracy is considered a refined version of oligarchy.

Does aristocracy still exist?

'Aristocracy' still does exist, when taking into account today's existing ruling royal families and their lineage both within Europe and outside. There are a number of Nations, where royal families continue to rule their Country.

What is a female aristocrat called?

1. female aristocrat - a woman who is an aristocrat. aristocrat, blue blood, patrician - a member of the aristocracy. czarina, czaritza, tsarina, tsaritsa, tzarina - the wife or widow of a czar. noblewoman, peeress, Lady - a woman of the peerage in Britain.

What is the difference between aristocracy and royalty?

As nouns the difference between royalty and aristocracy

is that royalty is the rank, status, power or authority of a monarch while aristocracy is the nobility, or the hereditary ruling class.

How is aristocracy different from democracy?

An Aristocracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in a group of people who are distinguished by birth, fortune, or hereditary nobility. A Democracy, in contrast, refers to a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people of the nation.

Is England an aristocracy?

According to a 2010 report for Country Life, a third of Britain's land still belongs to the aristocracy. Notwithstanding the extinction of some titles and the sales of land early in the 20th century, the lists of major aristocratic landowners in 1872 and in 2001 remain remarkably similar.

Is France an aristocracy?

Despite officially not existing, the French nobility continues to endure and often thrive in the 21st Century. But the French nobility - la noblesse - is still very much alive. ... In fact, in sheer numbers there may be more nobles today than there were before the Revolution.

What countries have a tyranny government?

In addition to specifically identifying Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea and Zimbabwe as examples of outpost of tyranny, Rice characterized the broader Middle East as a region of tyranny, despair, and anger.

Who are the aristocratic families in England?

• The Duke of Devonshire.
• The Earl of Iveagh and the Guinness family. ...
• Prince Jonathan and Princess Gesine Doria Pamphilj. ...
• Duke of Bedford. ...
• Lord Rothschild. ...
• The Duke of Sutherland. ...
• Charlotte Townshend. ...
• The Duke of Northumberland. ...

How were the aristocracy families connected?

Most of the aristocratic families were connected by marriage. The aristocrats formed a small group but held a lot of power. Peasantry comprised the larger group of the population. ... So it was the liberal, educated middle-class which encouraged national unity after aristocratic privileges were abolished.

Are aristocrats royalty?

Royalty refers to the royal family, whereas nobility refers to aristocrats, the highest class below royalty.

Who were aristocracy class 10?

Hint: Aristocracy is a government of collected people who are the most qualified to rule as they are thought to be exceptional in some way or are made up of people with royal blood. Britain's Royal family is an example of an aristocracy.