One-word substitution (forms of government): Select the term that denotes a system of government run by nobles or a hereditary ruling elite. Context: Contrast with democracy (rule by the people), autocracy (rule by one), and bureaucracy (rule by officials). Instruction: Choose the most accurate single-word substitute.

Given data

• Sought meaning: government by nobles.
• Options: Aristocracy, Democracy, Autocracy, Bureaucracy (reordered above).

Concept / Approach
An aristocracy is rule by a privileged nobility or elite class, historically based on birth/lineage.

Elimination reasoning
Aristocracy — rule of nobles; correct. ✅Democracy — rule by the people, usually via elected representatives. ❌Autocracy — absolute rule by one person. ❌Bureaucracy — administration by state officials; not necessarily nobles. ❌

Example
Classical city-states sometimes evolved into aristocracies dominated by noble families.

Final Answer
Aristocracy