Which term describes a government controlled by a small, elite group?

An oligarchy is defined as a form of government in which power is held by a small, elite group of individuals or families. This elite class may base their authority on wealth, nobility, education, corporate, or military control. In an oligarchy, the general population has little to no influence over governance, as decisions are made by a select few.

In contrast, a republic emphasizes a system where representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the citizens, aiming to balance the influence of various interest groups. Democracy encompasses broader participation and is characterized by majority rule, where the general public possesses the power to elect leaders and influence legislative processes. A confederation refers to a union of sovereign groups or states that come together for a common purpose, often retaining their individual authority rather than being governed by a central power.

Thus, oligarchy stands out as the most accurate term describing a government functionally dominated by a concentrated group of individuals rather than the masses or a more distributed system of governance.