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Oligarchy

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Oligarchy is a form of government where most political power is effectively vested in a small segment of society (typically the wealthiest or most ruthless segment). Oligarchies are often controlled by a few powerful families raised and mentored to become inheritors of the power of the oligarchy, often at some sort of expense to those governed. This power may not always be exercised openly, the oligarchs preferring to remain "the power behind the throne," exerting control through economic means. It has also been suggested that most so-called communist countries fit the definition of oligarchy, in that the most ruthless segment of society comes to power by overthrowing other oligarchs (usually and historically: capitalists).