Question

a state ran by a small group of people

Answer 1

A state run by a small group of people is often referred to as an "oligarchy." In an oligarchy, power resides with a limited number of individuals or families, often characterized by wealth, nobility, military control, or religious leadership. This small group makes decisions that impact the broader population, and the general public typically has little influence over government policies and practices. Oligarchies can manifest in various forms and can coexist with other political systems, sometimes leading to a lack of democratic processes or accountability.