aristocracy:
"The exercise of political power by
a small ruling clique of a state's "best" citizens. The selection
of the aristocrats may be made on the basis of birth, wealth, or ability,
or economic, social, or ecclesiastical position. For Aristotle, aristocracy
meant rule by the most virtuous, but in medieval Europe it came to mean
rule by the upper classes, whom God had appointed to rule....Aristocracies
are characterized by limited suffrage and great emphasis on property rights.
Postrevolutionary America had characteristics of aristocracy, with property
and religious qualifications for voting and holding office".
from: Plano and Greenberg, The American
Political Dictionary