Which form of government is characterized by power held exclusively by the upper class?

The correct answer is aristocracy. Aristocracy is a form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class, often composed of individuals who are part of noble families or who possess significant wealth and social status. This system typically favors hereditary positions, meaning that power is often passed down through family lines rather than being determined by popular vote or merit.

In an aristocracy, this upper class maintains control over governance and decision-making, which distinguishes it from other forms of government like democracy, where power is distributed among the general population through elections, or oligarchy, where power is held by a few individuals but not necessarily from a noble class. Monarchy involves a single ruler, often a king or queen, who may come from an aristocratic background but does not strictly represent an aristocratic system since the position can also be hereditary without involving a broader ruling class dynamic.

Understanding the concept of aristocracy is essential in examining how different governments function and how power dynamics can impact society.