Which system emphasizes governance by those considered to be the best in society?

The emphasis on governance by those considered to be the best in society distinctly defines aristocracy. In this system, power is held by a privileged elite, who are often selected based on quality, education, wealth, or lineage, suggesting that these individuals are best suited to govern due to their innate or cultivated superiority. This belief in rule by the 'best' reflects an ideological standpoint that values merit, often intertwining social status with political authority.

In contrast, democracy centers on the principle of equality and involves the participation of the general populace in governance, where leadership is determined through majority vote rather than by presumed superiority. Autocracy denotes rule by an individual who wields absolute power, often without regard for the qualities or merits of others, while monarchy is characterized by hereditary rule, where leadership is typically passed down through royal bloodlines without a necessary connection to merit or ability. Thus, aristocracy uniquely highlights the concept of governance by the elite, aligning it closely with those perceived as the most capable or worthy in society.