Oligarchy
Description of the pattern
The word "oligarchy" from the Greek words olígos, which means "few," and archo, which means "to rule". It's a form of government that has most of the political power vested with a small group of people, typically the people who have the most wealth, military strength, ruthlessness or political influence.Can be secretive in nature.
How It Works
Powerful families who exist in a system of Oligarchism almost always raise and mentor their children to inherited the power of their predecessors. When Oligarchy applies itself in government, it counters the influence that the people, who are governed, have on their own political system. The will of the people does not apply in Oligarchism, nor does it allow the best people who can govern rise to the position to do so. In some cases, Oligarchy can be separate from government, but still exert its influence on government through economic means. Oligarchism does not always have it exist within a wealthy family, it could also be exist as a military elite, corporations , or religion fundamentalism.
Evidence
See Apartheid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid
Linked patterns
Compartmentalization of Knowledge
Resources
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/oligarchy.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy
