Government by the best citizens is referred to as

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the term that describes rule by the "best" citizens. This is a question about the classical forms of government.

2. Explain the concept The word aristocracy comes from the Greek aristos (best) and kratia (rule). It means "rule by the best", usually the most virtuous, wise, or highly qualified people in society. Here is how the other options differ:

• Democracy (demos = people): rule by the people, directly or through elected representatives.
• Oligarchy (oligos = few): rule by a small group, often for their own selfish interests, and not necessarily the best.
• Plutocracy (ploutos = wealth): rule by the wealthy.

3. Step-by-step solution

• Key phrase: "best citizens". This points to the Greek root aristos, meaning "best".
• Democracy is ruled out because it is rule by all the people, not by the best.
• Oligarchy is ruled out because it means rule by a few, with no requirement that they be the best.
• Plutocracy is ruled out because it is based on wealth, not quality or merit.
• Aristocracy matches "government by the best citizens".

4. Answer The correct option is A. aristocracy.

5. Exam tip Match the Greek root to the key word in the question:

• aristos = best → Aristocracy
• oligos = few → Oligarchy
• ploutos = wealth → Plutocracy
• demos = people → Democracy

Aristocracy is the "A for Admirable" government, and oligarchy is the "Only a Little Group". You can do this!