During the era of feudalism, there were three elites: the church hierarchy, landed aristocracy/nobility, and royal families. For the general population, the elites represented security or tyranny, depending on one's position and perspective. As that system ended, an additional elite -- the business wealthy -- gained status and influence through trade and manufacture and have in part displaced the traditional elites. These elite groups compete for power, with different accommodations from time to time and place to place. Despite the rise of democratic institutions, it remains questionable whether the power of elites has diminished.