How did rule by a few or small group work in the city-states of Italy?

In the city-states of Italy, rule by a few or a small group often took the form of a signoria or a commune.

Signoria

A signoria was a form of government in which a single individual, known as a signore, held power. Signori often came to power through military conquest or by exploiting political instability. They typically ruled with the support of a small group of advisors and mercenaries. Signorias were common in northern Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries. Some of the most famous signori include the Visconti family of Milan, the Medici family of Florence, and the Sforza family of Milan.

Commune

A commune was a form of government in which a city was ruled by a group of citizens, rather than by a single individual. Communes were common in central and southern Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries. They were typically governed by a council elected by the citizens, and power was often shared between different factions or guilds. Communes were often in conflict with signorias and other city-states.

Both signorias and communes were important in the development of Italian city-states. They provided a framework for political and economic growth, and they helped to create a sense of civic identity among the citizens.