plutocracy
What does "plutocracy" mean?
A plutocracy is a society or system of government that is controlled or dominated by the wealthy. The term carries a strong implication that money, rather than democratic will or merit, is the primary source of political power and influence. It is typically used in political commentary or academic discourse to criticize systems where the interests of the rich supersede those of the general population. While it can describe historical merchant republics, it is most often used today to highlight concerns about corporate lobbying or the disproportionate political sway of billionaires.
"plutocracy" in conversation
Discussing economic policy
Do you think these new tax breaks will actually help the middle class?
Do you think these new tax breaks will actually help the middle class?
Hardly. It feels like we are slipping further into a plutocracy every single year.
Hardly. It feels like we are slipping further into a plutocracy every single year.
Used here to express frustration with the perceived lack of representation for non-wealthy citizens.
History lecture
How would you characterize the governance of the 19th-century Gilded Age?
How would you characterize the governance of the 19th-century Gilded Age?
It fits the definition of a plutocracy, given how much control the railroad tycoons had over legislation.
It fits the definition of a plutocracy, given how much control the railroad tycoons had over legislation.
Used in an academic context to describe a historical power structure.
"plutocracy" in a sentence
The country was essentially a plutocracy governed by a handful of industrial families.
The country was essentially a plutocracy governed by a handful of industrial families.
Critics argue that unlimited campaign contributions are turning the democracy into a plutocracy.
Critics argue that unlimited campaign contributions are turning the democracy into a plutocracy.
The transition from an enlightened republic to a calcified plutocracy often happens when wealth concentration outpaces social mobility.
The transition from an enlightened republic to a calcified plutocracy often happens when wealth concentration outpaces social mobility.
