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MENTAL MODEL · M3381

Kakistocracy

Kakistocracy
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

Kakistocracy ( KAK-ih-STOK-rə-see) is government by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous people. The word was coined as early as the 17th century and derives from two Greek words, kákistos (κάκιστος, 'worst') and krátos (κράτος, 'rule'), together meaning 'government by the worst people'.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Kakistocracy ( KAK-ih-STOK-rə-see) is government by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous people.

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Anchor fast decisions

This entry refers to poor governance resulting from rule by the worst or incompetent (akin to kakistocracy, rule by the worst). Its mechanism is adverse selection: corrupt or authoritarian environments allow bad actors to rise while good people withdraw.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KakistocracyZH · Explicit
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