oligarchy
OL-ih-gar-keenounMeaning rule by a small group of people
Memory hook OLLIE’S GANG rules the club. Ollie and his two best friends make every rule for the whole treehouse club; the other kids get no say. Rule by a few like that is an oligarchy.
The city was run by an oligarchy of five wealthy merchant families.
In context Although the club claimed to be open to all, it was really an oligarchy: three senior members made every decision and never put anything to a vote.
Similar rule by a few, ruling clique, elite rule
Opposite democracy
From Greek oligarkhia: oligos (few) + arkhein (to rule).