political dynasties
Hereditary power networks
Political dynasties are families that maintain power across generations through elected or appointed office.
The term carries skeptical connotations—suggesting that democratic systems have been subverted by inherited privilege: The Kennedys and Bushes represent American political dynasties.
Critics argue dynasties concentrate power and limit opportunity; defenders note voters freely choose familiar names.
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
- Kennedy familyInfluential Democratic dynasty
- monarchyRule by crowned sovereign
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
aristocracy · ruling class · inequality · disenfranchisement · Bush family · family name · name recognition · reform movements · lineage · succession · silver spoon · old money · elitism · historical narratives · hereditary rule · cronyism · power grab · oligarchy
- eliteselites, plutocrats, oligarchs, aristocrats, blue bloods
- FilipinoTagalog, Filipino, Filipina, Philippines, Manila
- elite poweroligarchy, plutocracy, oligarch, plutocrat, oligarchs
- South Indian Politicschief minister, state assembly, Stalin, Hyderabad, bifurcation
- eliteelite, elites, aristocrats, nobility, best
- family historygenealogy, ancestry, ancestor, ancestors, descendant
political dynastiesmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
technocracy · grassroots leaders · merit-based selection · civil service exams · social mobility
political, politics, politic, politicize, politicization, politician, politically, apolitical, politicking