Oligarchy Response

1.) WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT WORK?

An Oligarchy is, simply put, a government run by those from a specific group/clique that are normally more dominant or powerful. Because not everyone is creme-of-the-crop or meet the high standards set, an Oligarchy is one ruled by few and as such, pretty small. An example, (only sliiighhtttly controversial) is a Gov't run by the rich/wealthy.

2.) STRENGTHS:

The strengths in having such an exclusively setup government are as followed. With such a specific group of people, normally the more privileged, it presents a "better" opportunity for those they rule. The people running an Oligarchy seem to think that because they are at such a high advantage in life with all the classy-upbringings, money, opportunities etc. that they deserve and are more fit to run a government then those lesser than them. Yet, just because you might have gone to a more elite school, or are more financially sound than some others, are you really better? Perhaps you failed that school or don't know how to spend your money wisely or effectively. Due to their "pure" breeding, and high class they have had more access towards education and opportunities though. They were given the chance to succeed and there is a higher chance that they are smarter, academically, and with their money they have less boundaries as to what they can do. With an oligarchy it's more founded on everything that's not skin deep. A great education and a large financial sum are HELPFUL in a government, but does it shape or SHOULD it shape it? The less...elite might have better morals or ideas as to how the government should function. Although, theirs might be based on a lower-scale due to the opportunities given academically. The benefits of living under an Oligarchy as a citizen are the reassurance that you're being run by a very powerful, highly educated group of people.

3.) WEAKNESSES:

Weaknesses in an Oligarchy are that with such a small, specific group of people they could easily become arrogant, self-absorbed, and get power happy. If they are the only ones in control then there really isn't any room for a balance. In America, for example, we have a Republican side & a Democratic side to even each other out. So that the Government isn’t overwhelmingly run in just one direction, adding in some differences to counterbalance it are healthy. With an Oligarchy there isn’t any room for changes. It would all go in one direction with no one to exactly protest because they’re all on the same side. A form of Government built and run simple on the foundation/background of those running it is so risky. Although a higher education and a more privileged upbringing are positive additions to a government, it should not be the foundation. Many great leaders have come from a lesser background. This does NOT make them lesser of a person.

WORKS CITED:

www.dictionary.com
www.wikipedia.com

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