concepts
type: Collection
type: ConceptGroup
member: estates

estates
type: Concept
broader: representation and electoral systems
definition: The estates were the classifications of the divisions of society that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. While there was variation from country to country, in general the estates were the aristocracy (the first estate), the clergy (the second estate), and the commoners (the third estate). [Source: The Encyclopedia of Political Science; Estates]

representation and electoral systems
type: Concept
narrower: estates