A government controlled by a few people for their own interests is said to be____________

Analyze the question: The key phrases are "controlled by a few people" and "for their own interests." We need the term for rule by a small group.

Explain the concepts: Government types are often classified by the number of people who rule:

• Autocracy: Power is held by one person with unlimited authority.
• Tyranny: Oppressive, cruel rule, usually by one person who rules harshly, often seizing power unlawfully.
• Oligarchy: From the Greek oligos (few) and arkhein (to rule). Power rests in the hands of a small group, such as a wealthy elite, military junta, or ruling clique, who typically govern in their own interests.
• Monarchy: Rule by a king or queen, usually hereditary. It is also rule by one person.

Solution:

1. The question emphasizes a few people, so we eliminate systems of one-person rule: Autocracy (A), Tyranny (B) and Monarchy (D).
2. The only option describing rule by a small group for their own benefit is Oligarchy.

Answer: C. Oligarchy.

Tip: Link the prefix to the number:

• Mono/Auto = one (monarchy, autocracy)
• Oligo = few (oligarchy)
• Demo = people (democracy)

When a question says "a few people," think oligarchy straight away.