Meritocracy ( merit , from Latin mereō , and -cracy , from Ancient Greek κράτος kratos "strength, power") is a political philosophy holding that power should be vested in individuals almost exclusively based on ability and talent. [1] Advancement in such a system is based on performance measured through examination and/or demonstrated achievement in the field where it is implemented. Definitions [ Early definitions The "most common definition of meritocracy conceptualizes merit in terms of tested competency and ability, and most likely, as measured by IQ or standardized achievement tests." [2] In government or other administration systems, meritocracy, in an administrative sense , is a system of government or other administration (such as business administration ) wherein appointments and responsibilities are assigned to...