A government in which control of ultimate power is by a few who rule in their selfish interest is classified as _________

Step 1: Analyze the question

The key phrases are:

• "control of ultimate power is by a few"
• "rule in their selfish interest"

So we need the form of government where a small group holds power and uses it for its own benefit.

Step 2: Explain the concepts (Aristotle's classification)

Aristotle classified governments by how many rule and whether they rule for the common good or for selfish interest:

| Number who rule | Rule for common good | Rule for selfish interest | |---|---|---| | One | Monarchy | Tyranny / Dictatorship | | Few | Aristocracy | Oligarchy | | Many | Polity / Constitutional democracy | Mob rule / Democracy (corrupted) |

Step 3: Test each option

• A. Oligarchy: rule by a few for their own selfish interest. ✔ This matches both clues.
• B. Dictatorship: power is held by one person, not a few. ✘
• C. Aristocracy: rule by a few, but traditionally the best or most noble, ruling for the common good. ✘ It does not fit "selfish interest".
• D. Monarchy: rule by one person, a king or queen. ✘

Step 4: Answer

The correct option is A. an oligarchy.

Exam tip: Remember "Oligarchy = Few and Selfish". Whenever you see "few" in a JAMB Government question, check the motive: if the few rule for the good of all, it is an aristocracy; if they rule for themselves, it is an oligarchy.