Gerontocracy is a form of government in which power is held by

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the meaning of "gerontocracy", a term from the study of forms of government.

2. Explain the concept Break the word into its Greek roots:

• geron = old man or elder
• kratos = power or rule

So gerontocracy literally means "rule by the old." It is a system where leadership is held by elders, who are respected for their age, experience, and wisdom.

3. Walk through the options

• A. Military junta: This is rule by military officers, usually after a coup. The related term is stratocracy or military rule, not gerontocracy.
• B. A single ruler: This is monarchy or autocracy.
• C. Religious leaders: This is theocracy.
• D. The old: This matches the Greek meaning of gerontocracy exactly.

4. Nigerian context Many traditional African societies, including some pre-colonial Igbo communities and age-grade systems, gave a lot of authority to councils of elders. Decisions on land, disputes, and customs were often made by the oldest and most experienced members. This is a good example of gerontocratic features.

5. Answer The correct option is D. the old.

Exam tip: Learn the Greek suffix -cracy (rule) with its prefixes:

• Geronto-cracy = old
• Theo-cracy = God/religion
• Aristo-cracy = the best/nobles
• Demo-cracy = the people
• Pluto-cracy = the wealthy
• Mono-archy = one ruler

If you spot the root, you can often get the answer without knowing the full definition.