Definition of aristocracy

The concept of aristocracy may have two meanings Basic, related to each other but at the same time distinguishable from each other. In the political sense, the aristocracy refers to a type of Government in which only have access to the power of individuals considered to be superior or better within a society. If it is understood in the social sense, the aristocracy is one of greater importance and permanence throughout history, social groups newly entering clear decline in the 19th century of our era. The aristocracy as governmental system is by definition the best Government. The word aristocracy comes from the Greek, meaning "the best" aristos and kratos "Government". This implies that an aristocratic Government is one in which access to power is reduced to a relatively small number of people who are usually chosen by lineage, inheritance or by rank. In some cases, the aristocracy can also be oriented intellectual issues and therefore be deemed that only individuals educated and with certain intellectual abilities are responsible for carrying out the Government.
If we remain in the political sense, we can also add that the aristocracy is then opposite to other forms of Government such as the monarchy (the Government of one), the plutocracy (Government of the rich) and essentially democracy (village government).
In terms of its social sense, the aristocracy is defined as one of the most important social groups within a company or specific community. While aristocratic power went into decline from the French Revolution until you almost reach to disappear nowadays, this social group was always present in much of the human civilizations. Its main features were having access to political and economic power, knowledge and cultural knowledge, the means of production and decision-making. The aristocracy always consisted of a small number of individuals in the total set of the community, individuals who exercised great influence on Governments (if not a part of it) and which were located between the rich and wealthy.