Definition

Noun: 1. A political system governed by the wealthy people: A form of government or society where power is held by or concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy class. The term implies that political influence and control are directly derived from wealth.

Examples of Usage

Advanced Usage

• "to be accused of being/becoming a plutocracy": This phrase is commonly used in political criticism to describe a perceived degeneration of a democratic system.
  • The nation is increasingly accused of becoming a plutocracy, where the concerns of ordinary citizens are ignored.
• "the rise/emergence of a plutocracy": Describes the process by which a wealthy class gains dominant political power.
  • The period was characterized by the rise of a plutocracy and growing social inequality.

Variants and Related Words

• Plutocrat (noun): A person who is powerful because of their wealth, especially one who is part of a ruling plutocratic class.
  • The policy was seen as a gift from the plutocrats to themselves.
• Plutocratic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a plutocracy or plutocrats.
  • The plutocratic elite controlled all major media outlets.

Synonyms

• Oligarchy (specifically a wealth-based oligarchy)
• Rule by the wealthy
• Moneyed aristocracy

Antonyms

• Democracy (rule by the people)
• Egalitarianism (belief in equality)
• Meritocracy (rule by those selected based on ability)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Power of the purse": While not an idiom for plutocracy itself, this phrase describes the influence that financial resources have on politics, which is the core mechanism of a plutocracy.
  • The senator was clearly under the power of the purse wielded by major industry donors.

Noun

1. a political system governed by the wealthy people