Match each form of government listed on the left with its defining feature or power base on the right.
- Absolute MonarchyUnrestricted state authority concentrated in a single hereditary sovereign.
- AristocracyGovernment by a privileged nobility traditionally considered the 'best qualified' by birth.
- OligarchyPolitical power exercised by a small, self-serving faction or elite group.
- PlutocracyGovernance dominated explicitly by the wealthy class.
Answer
Absolute Monarchy corresponds to unrestricted authority in a single hereditary sovereign; Aristocracy corresponds to rule by a privileged nobility by birth; Oligarchy corresponds to rule by a small self-serving faction; and Plutocracy corresponds to governance dominated by the wealthy class.
Each system of government is paired accurately according to classical political science definitions: Absolute Monarchy centers on a single hereditary ruler; Aristocracy centers on noble lineage; Oligarchy centers on a small clique; and Plutocracy centers on wealth.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Distinguishing Features of Non-Democratic Systems of Government