The Meaning of Oligarchy in Government Systems and Its Characteristics, Know Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Kapanlagi.com - There are several forms and government systems applied by several countries. One of them is oligarchy which is closely related to a power that is only controlled by a small group of elites in society based on several determining factors.

The meaning of oligarchy and its characteristics are certainly important to know. Because the meaning of oligarchy is a term that we often hear. Not a few also mention that the oligarchic government system can have an impact on people's lives.

Closely related to power, the meaning of oligarchy is based on material wealth, family, position, or military. In other words, in short, those who have wealth will easily have power or enter the government circle.

That is why to know the meaning of oligarchy, below is an explanation of the definition of oligarchy along with its characteristics. Thus, it will make it easier for you to understand the meaning of oligarchy which is a form and government system of a country. This meaning of oligarchy has been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Meaning of Oligarchy

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The meaning of oligarchy is a term that is very familiar with the form or system of government. Some of you may already be familiar with the use of the term oligarchy that often appears in a number of news, academic or government circles. But do you know what the real meaning of oligarchy is?

To understand the meaning of oligarchy if referring to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), it is explained about the meaning of oligarchy. The meaning of oligarchy in KBBI is a government run by several people who have power from a certain group or class. Yes, the meaning of oligarchy is closely related to the world of politics and government.

Meanwhile, in terms of language, the meaning of oligarchy comes from the Greek language, namely Oligarkhia. The meaning of oligarchy is that a few rule. Its meaning is a form of government whose political power is effectively held by a small elite group of society based on wealth, family or military.

In other words, oligarchy is included in the form of government controlled by a certain group of people who have power. Examples of countries using this form of government include Russia, Iran, China, North Korea and others. However, in other forms of government, it is also possible to be influenced by the oligarchic system.

2. Meaning of Oligarchy According to Experts

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Meanwhile, several experts also define the meaning of oligarchy. That is why below is a review of the meaning of oligarchy according to several experts. So, here is the meaning of oligarchy according to the experts that you need to know. This will make it easier for you to understand the definition of oligarchy based on expert opinions.

The meaning of oligarchy according to Winters, who is a professor at Northwestern University, explains about oligarchy that is divided into two dimensions. First, oligarchy based on power and material wealth that is difficult to break or balance.

Second, oligarchy has a wide and systemic range of power, even though it has a minority status within a group or community. That is why the meaning of oligarchy according to Winters explains that the power is difficult to break and its range must be systemic. That is one of the meanings of oligarchy according to experts who explain the meaning of oligarchy.

3. Characteristics of Oligarchy

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After knowing the meaning of oligarchy, there are several characteristics of oligarchy that will help you understand what signs a government applies oligarchy in their system. That is why here are the characteristics of oligarchy that you need to understand.

- A small group in society controls and holds power based on several factors such as material wealth, family, or other equivalents.

- There is an uneven distribution of material wealth in society. That is why the rulers will become richer and poverty can increase.

- Attached to money and power. In other words, anything can be done with money, including obtaining power.

- Only maintaining wealth with the power that has been obtained.

Those are some characteristics of oligarchy that you need to know. This makes it easier to recognize what kind of oligarchic system a government has.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Oligarchy

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Like any other form of government in a country, there are several advantages and disadvantages of oligarchy. That's why it's important to know what oligarchy means as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Here are the reasons why oligarchy still exists and why some countries choose not to implement it.

Advantages of Oligarchy:

- Encourages people to be free to innovate and work.

- Centralized power makes it easier for the government to make decisions.

Disadvantages of Oligarchy:

- Triggers conflict and rebellion from the public due to an unbalanced oligarchic system.

- Power will continue to be held by elite groups without any change. They will do everything they can to maintain their power or position in the government.

- Rulers will become richer.

That's an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of oligarchy. It makes it easier for you to understand the pros and cons of the oligarchic system. Meanwhile, the explanation of the meaning of oligarchy above can help you understand the meaning of oligarchy in a government.

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