The concept of meritocracy in political contexts refers to a system where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements rather than their social class or background. In a meritocratic system, positions of power and responsibility are filled by those who demonstrate competence and skill. This ideally fosters efficiency and fairness, promoting a belief that anyone can succeed through hard work. Critics argue that true meritocracy is often hindered by systemic inequalities that disadvantage certain groups, thus questioning the extent to which meritocracy is practiced in reality.