Aristocracy vs. Democracy — What's the Difference?

A class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges.

A state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.

A government or state ruled by an aristocracy.

Political or social equality.

A governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility.

A form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation.

A form of government in which power is held by the nobility.

A state having such a form of government.

The aggregate of those believed to be superior.

The common people, especially when considered as the source of political power.

Aristocracy (Greek: ἀριστοκρατία aristokratía, from ἄριστος aristos 'excellent', and κράτος, kratos 'rule') is a form of government that places strength in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class, the aristocrats. The term derives from the Greek aristokratia, meaning 'rule of the best'.At the time of the word's origins in ancient Greece, the Greeks conceived it as rule by the best-qualified citizens—and often contrasted it favorably with monarchy, rule by an individual.

Democracy (Greek: δημοκρατία, dēmokratiā, from dēmos 'people' and kratos 'rule') refers to a form of government in which the people either have the authority to choose their governing legislators, or the authority to decide on legislation. Who is considered part of the people and how authority is shared among or delegated by the people has changed over time and at different speeds in different countries, but more and more of the inhabitants of countries have generally been included.

The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and offices

Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

A hereditary ruling class; nobility.

A political or social unit that has such a government.

Government by a ruling class.

The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.

A state or country having this form of government.

Majority rule.

Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead.

The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

A state having such a government.

(uncountable) Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).

A group or class considered superior to others.

A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.

The nobility, or the hereditary ruling class.

(countable) A state with a democratic system of government.

Government by such a class, or a state with such a government

(uncountable) Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".

A class of people considered (not normally universally) superior to others

Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained and directly exercised by the people.

Government by the best citizens.

Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but is indirectly exercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed; a constitutional representative government; a republic.

A ruling body composed of the best citizens.

Collectively, the people, regarded as the source of government.

A form a government, in which the supreme power is vested in the principal persons of a state, or in a privileged order; an oligarchy.

The principles and policy of the Democratic party, so called.

The nobles or chief persons in a state; a privileged class or patrician order; (in a popular use) those who are regarded as superior to the rest of the community, as in rank, fortune, or intellect.

The political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives

A privileged class holding hereditary titles

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

The most powerful members of a society

The doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group

Aristocracy is a form of government where power is held by a small, privileged class, often inherited.

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives.

Aristocracy centralizes power in a hereditary elite, while democracy distributes power among the citizenry.

Public participation is limited or non-existent in aristocracy, while it is fundamental and widespread in democracy.

Aristocracy is often considered more stable due to its continuity, but democracy can adapt more readily to societal changes.

Leadership in aristocracies is usually based on heredity or appointment within the elite class, while in democracies, leadership succession is determined through regular, competitive elections.

Aristocracies often have limited social mobility, as power and privilege are confined to the elite. Democracies promote greater social mobility by allowing individuals to gain influence based on merit rather than heritage.

Yes, some aristocracies may incorporate democratic elements, such as limited public voting or representation, to enhance legitimacy and stability, but the core power typically remains with the aristocratic class.

Aristocracies often support elite education systems that reinforce their cultural values and social structures. Democracies tend to promote broader access to education as a way to empower individuals and support democratic governance.

Aristocracies can lead to concentrated wealth and economic disparities, as the elite may prioritize their interests. Democracies, with their broader base of political input, tend to create policies that can foster more equitable economic development.

In aristocracies, tradition and hereditary status play crucial roles, often resisting changes that could disrupt the established order. In contrast, democracies are more open to innovation and change, driven by the evolving preferences and demands of the populace.

Aristocracies might suppress dissent to maintain control, whereas democracies generally protect freedom of speech and the right to dissent as essential components of civic life.

Aristocracies may provide decisive leadership in crises due to centralized power, but democracies benefit from diverse viewpoints and greater public support in decision-making processes during emergencies.

Aristocracies have been successful in maintaining social order and hierarchy over long periods but often fail when the ruling class is unable or unwilling to adapt to societal changes. Democracies have succeeded in promoting equality and broad-based economic growth but can struggle with polarization and short-termism in policymaking.

Aristocratic states may pursue foreign policies that reflect the interests of their elite, potentially leading to imperial or colonial tendencies. Democratic states tend to advocate for international norms like human rights and democracy, influencing their foreign policy decisions.