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I am working on GRE words but I have some problem with the meaning of "Gerontocracy". My book suggested "government by the aged" but I can't get it. Help me please.

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How 'bout if we said government by old people? – Jim Jan 20 at 23:35
Or Government by elders. – jwpat7 Jan 20 at 23:37
ODO: mid 19th century: from Greek gerōn, geront- 'old man' + -cracy, combining form denoting a particular form of government, rule, or influence. – Andrew Leach Jan 20 at 23:37
I understand each of words but I can't understand it all :( – MySky Jan 20 at 23:38
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Concrete example: It means that you have to be more than 65 or 70 years old to be elected or appointed to public office, to be king or queen, or to be the dictator of the country. All positions of political power can be held only by people over 65 or 70. Is it clear now? – Bill Franke Jan 20 at 23:42
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closed as general reference by Jim, jwpat7, Andrew Leach, Carlo_R., Bill Franke Jan 20 at 23:38

This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

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