1. A form of government in which power rests with a small number of people, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, corporate reach, military power, or education.
The country was ruled by an oligarchic government that benefited only the wealthy elite.
O país era governado por um governo oligárquico que beneficiava apenas a elite rica.
2. A political system controlled by a small group of individuals or families who exercise power for their own benefit.
The oligarchic government resisted democratic reforms for decades.
O governo oligárquico resistiu às reformas democráticas por décadas.