power structure

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pow′er struc′ture, 

1. the system of authority or influence in government, politics, education, etc.:
   The state elections threatened to upset the existing power structure.
2. the people who participate in such a system:
   She hoped to become a part of the power structure.
• 1945–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

power structure noun

1. the structure or distribution of power and authority in a community