Did governance models in ascendency favour particular social groups?

Yes, governance models in ascendency often favoured particular social groups, typically the elite or ruling class.

Historically, governance models in ascendency have often been structured in a way that benefits certain social groups over others. This is particularly true for the elite or ruling class, who typically hold the most power and influence within a society. These models often perpetuate existing power structures, with laws and policies designed to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of those in power.

For instance, in feudal societies, the governance model was heavily skewed in favour of the nobility. The feudal system was a hierarchical structure where the king granted land to his most important noblemen who, in turn, provided him with soldiers for his army. This system clearly favoured the nobility, who not only owned the land but also had significant political power.

Similarly, in many colonial societies, governance models were designed to benefit the colonisers. The British Empire, for instance, implemented a system of indirect rule in many of its colonies, which allowed local elites to maintain their positions of power in exchange for their loyalty to the British Crown. This system favoured both the British colonisers and the local elites, often at the expense of the majority of the population.

In more recent times, governance models in ascendency have often favoured the wealthy and powerful. For example, in many capitalist societies, those with wealth and capital have a disproportionate influence over political decisions, often through campaign contributions and lobbying. This can lead to policies that favour the interests of the wealthy, such as tax cuts for high earners or deregulation of industries.

However, it's important to note that not all governance models in ascendency favour particular social groups. Some models, such as social democracy, aim to create a more equal society by implementing policies that benefit all citizens, such as universal healthcare and education. Nevertheless, even in these models, certain social groups may still have more influence over political decisions due to their wealth or social status.