Virginia's government was often described as a cousinocracy , reflecting the influence of intermarried elite families. This system led to a governance structure where a small number of families held significant power. Thus, it was a unique form of dominance distinct from typical aristocratic or bureaucratic systems. ;
Virginia's government was often referred to as a cousinocracy , where power was held by a few elite families through intermarriage. This system created a governance structure favoring these connected families over the general population. Unlike broader systems like aristocracy or bureaucracy, cousinocracy specifically highlights the importance of familial ties in political influence.
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