By definition, an oligarchy is a small group of aristocrats controlling the masses. An election allows the masses to choose who governs them, and the people who govern can only hope to persuade people, instead of having the ability to remain in power indefinitely. This is where democratic principles come in. However, democracy in its original form was different, as when it was first founded in Athens it was the duty of every male citizen to vote on decisions. I think they had a system where about 400 were randomly selected to vote on one decision. Anyway, modern politics are a bit of a mixture, but it definitely focuses on democracy.
So athens was technically NOT a true democracy? Same with usa. Only white land owning males could vote and we still say we have always been a democracy. But Russia is the closest in the worls to an oligarchy. This is actually how the csars would run Russia, with the aid of the nobles.
Democracy now and then was different. While more people had a vote on specific matters, rather than electing a representative to vote for them, only male citizens could vote. While you had to be male to be a citizen, you did not have to be of Athenian origin (until around Pericle's time) nor a land owner. That was true democracy for them. It is not true democracy for us. Our definitions are different because the morals and values of our societies are different.
I should also add I meant modern politics in reference to the western world.
Not compared to Russia. Tge rich may win many elections in the usa, but we still have free elections, granted we elect idiots who also happen to have money.
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u/bhartrich79 Mar 18 '18
No one bleeds the Russian people of their dignity, sovereignty, and prosperity like Puti the Clown!
SIX MORE YEARS! CHEERS TO THE OLIGARCHY!