Word of the Day: Plutocracy
Government By the Wealthy
Plutocracy
Pronunciation: /ˈpluːtəˌkrɑːsi/
Part of Speech: noun
Core Definition:
A system of government or political influence where power is effectively controlled by the wealthy. In a plutocracy, those with the most money have disproportionate influence over laws, policies, and leaders, often undermining the principle of political equality.
Etymology:
From the Greek ploutos (wealth) + kratos (power, rule). The word has historically described societies where economic elites dominate public life, reducing democracy to a façade.
Extended Meaning:
Not just a government formally run by the rich, but any political system where money becomes the determining factor of influence.
Can exist within democracies when elections, policymaking, and governance are heavily shaped by campaign contributions, lobbying, and corporate spending.
Often accompanied by rising inequality, political corruption, and erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
Examples in Today’s Context:
After Citizens United v. FEC (2010), the Supreme Court equated money with speech, paving the way for unlimited corporate and billionaire spending — effectively transforming U.S. elections into a plutocracy.
When fewer than 200 mega-donors contribute the majority of election funding in a cycle, the system ceases to be representative democracy and functions more like a plutocracy.
Without a constitutional amendment to restore balance, campaign finance laws will remain skewed toward the wealthy, leaving America drifting further into plutocracy.
Why It Matters Now:
Plutocracy isn’t just an abstract word. It describes the real danger we face: a government where the size of your wallet determines the strength of your voice. That’s why reform movements are demanding the 28th Amendment — to overturn Citizens United, restore political equality, and protect democracy from sliding permanently into plutocracy.
Thank you Joyce for giving us the language to fight back. A little research shows that there are several proposals for a 28th Amendment. A related issue is Save Our Democracy but that covers many issues. It seems to me that our efforts would be most effective by focusing on one issue and that is to get money out of our politics!! I will continue researching this & educating others, including which states are close to agreeing & how to marshal our efforts.
It would seem that a Constitutional Amendment to cap the amount any individual or organization could contribute to a candidate’s campaign. Seems like an easy solution IF such an amendment could pass both houses. The current make up will guarantee that it won’t happen. As much as it pains to have to go this route, it appears that the only way to protect our rights is to be creative. The Republicans have been a failing party. They’re failed to honor the oath they took to protect our Constitution. That’s their only job. They “blew” it.