Aristocracy

Introduction
What is an aristocracy?  When was it created?  Were there any aristocracies in the past?  Are there any aristocracies today?  What are the pros and cons of this form of government?

History
Aristocracy means excellent power in Greek; a certain class rules over the rest.  The Athenians are the first to start aristocracy.  They didn't want one person to rule. Instead, they wanted the most intelligent moral citizens to rule.  The masses were seen as scum. These ideas gave birth to aristocracy.  The Romans had an aristocracy called patricians. Various nations had aristocracies.  They were called nobles.

India has an aristocracy called Kshatriya.  They aren't as powerful as they used to be. This is because the caste system isn't so popular in India anymore.  Since the time India was a part of Mughal Empire an aristocrat was known as zamindar.  In pre-colonial Nigeria,  there was an aristocracy that had a lot of influence on political leaders and tribes.  England had an aristocracy 4 a long time.  7,000 families in England make the aristocracy today.  They are beneath the monarchy and above commoners.   Denmark and Spain also have aristocracies.

Pros & Cons
The aristocracy consists of what seems like the brightest people because they got the best education.  It is not a dictatorship because it is composed of several people. They promote music and arts.  They are able to get more laws passed because it has fewer people than a democracy.

The policies of the aristocracy may not reflect the views of the commoners.  This form of government lacks checks and balances.  People that lived in countries ruled by aristocracies didn't have civil liberties.  This form of government may lead to a lot of economic inequality.  This is an anti-merit based government. Commoners aren't allowed to participate in the government.

Conclusion
Aristocracy means the rule of the best.  It is composed of people in the highest classes.  It has been around for over 2,000 years!!!!  It still exists today, but much less powerful.  It has some sweet pros, but the cons are too many.  It seems this form of government would lead to a revolt.  Oppression leads to revolution.                      

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristocracy_(class)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristocracy
http://www.governmentvs.com/en/aristocracy-countries/model-55-4
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-is-an-aristocratic-government-and-what-are-its-pros-and-cons.html
http://www.agathe.gr/democracy/the_athenian_aristocracy.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/political-science-and-government/political-science-terms-and-concepts-80