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In society's search for the best kind of government, the suffix -cracy (which means "form of government" and traces to the Greek kratos, meaning "strength" or "power") has worn many hats. "Monocracy" pairs "-cracy" with a descendant of monos, meaning "alone" or "single." The suffix also underlies other governmental terms including "democracy" ("government by the people"), "aristocracy" ("government by a small privileged class"), "theocracy" ("government by divine guidance"), "ochlocracy" ("government by the mob"), and "gerontocracy" ("rule by elders").
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“Monocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monocracy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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