An oligarchy is a form of government in which a small group of individuals holds the political power.

Ancient Sparta was a city-state in Greece that was ruled by a small group of elites known as the Spartiates.

The main difference between an oligarchy and a monarchy is that in an oligarchy, power is held by a small group of elites, while in a monarchy, power is held by a single individual.

Oligarchies are often more efficient than other forms of government because they can make decisions quickly and decisively.

Oligarchies are less democratic than other forms of government because they are not based on the consent of the governed.

Hereditary succession is not a characteristic of an oligarchy because oligarchies are typically not based on birthright.

Plutocracy is the term used to describe a situation in which a small group of elites control the economy of a country.

Russia is often cited as an example of a modern-day oligarchy because a small group of wealthy individuals have a significant amount of political power.

Military oligarchy is the term used to describe a situation in which a small group of elites control the military of a country.

Ancient Rome is often cited as an example of a historical oligarchy because a small group of wealthy and powerful families held most of the political power.

Media oligarchy is the term used to describe a situation in which a small group of elites control the media of a country.

The Vatican is often cited as an example of a religious oligarchy because a small group of cardinals hold most of the political power.

Educational oligarchy is the term used to describe a situation in which a small group of elites control the education system of a country.

Hollywood is often cited as an example of a cultural oligarchy because a small group of powerful individuals have a significant amount of influence over the cultural landscape.

Legal oligarchy is the term used to describe a situation in which a small group of elites control the legal system of a country.