The few, [in Greek: (ὀλίγος olígos)] i.e.the few people who are in power, be they rich, strong, well-connected or part of a powerful religious bloc. For example, the war in the early nineteen-eighties between Argentina and Britain was started by the 'Junta' of a few military officers ruling Argentina at the time, headed by General Galtieri.

The decisions might be taken by a representative of the few or as a collective decision. Sometimes a charismatic leader like Fleetwood or Lambert at the end of the English Interregnum period attempts to lead a small group.