Question

discovering the meaning of words
use your knowledge of context clues, word roots, and affixes to determine the meaning of the italicized words in this passage.
at first, greece was ruled by an oligarchy. the problem with this type of government is that a few individuals can issue edicts, which are not agreed upon by everyone, but which everyone must follow. after a while, the oligarchy was extirpated and replaced by a democracy.
oligarchy most likely means \a
edicts most likely means \
extirpated most likely means \panel of religious people
government of a few people
mob of criminals\

Explanation:

1. The context mentions "a few individuals can issue... everyone must follow", indicating oligarchy is rule by a few, so it means "government of a few people".
2. "A few individuals can issue edicts... everyone must follow" implies edicts are authoritative commands, i.e., official orders.
3. "The oligarchy was extirpated and replaced by a democracy" suggests extirpated means removed or gotten rid of.

Answer:

1. government of a few people
2. official orders
3. removed