What term refers to the system where nobility inherited special privileges and social hierarchy existed?

The term "hereditary aristocracy" accurately describes a social system in which nobility inherits special privileges and status. In this structure, social hierarchy is firmly established, with power and influence typically passed down through family lineage, often over generations. This system contrasts with meritocracy, where individuals achieve success based on their abilities and talents rather than their social class or family background.

In hereditary aristocracy, the nobility often held significant sway over political, legal, and economic matters due to their inherited positions. It established a clear distinction between the upper-class elite and the rest of society, who had limited or no access to the same privileges. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping the dynamics of social stratification in various historical contexts, particularly in Europe.

The other terms presented represent different governance and social organization models that do not align with the concept of inherited privilege and the established hierarchy found in hereditary aristocracies.