caciquism Definition
a social and political system in which local bosses (caciques) exercise wide-ranging power and influence over other people in the community.
Using caciquism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caciquism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The country was ruled by caciquism for decades, with local bosses controlling everything from elections to business deals.
Example
Caciquism often leads to corruption and abuse of power.
Example
The government is trying to dismantle the system of caciquism that has dominated the region for generations.
caciquism Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with caciquism
the practice of using political power to control and manipulate people in a community
Example
The mayor was accused of engaging in cacique politics to win the election.
a form of democracy in which local bosses (caciques) control the electoral process and use their power to influence the outcome
Example
The country claims to be a democracy, but it is really a cacique democracy.
an economic system in which local bosses (caciques) control the distribution of resources and use their power to enrich themselves and their allies
Example
The region's economy is dominated by cacique capitalism, with a few powerful families controlling most of the wealth.
Origins of caciquism
from Spanish 'cacique', meaning 'chief' or 'leader'
Summary: caciquism in Brief
'Caciquism' [ˈkækɪkɪz(ə)m] is a social and political system in which local bosses (caciques) have extensive power and influence over others in the community. It is often associated with corruption and abuse of power, as well as the manipulation of elections and economic resources. Phrases like 'cacique politics' and 'cacique democracy' highlight the ways in which this system can be used to control and exploit people.
