a wiki brings clarity

Meritocracy is a system of government or other organization based on demonstrated ability (merit) and talent rather than by wealth, family connections, class privilege, cronyism or other historical determinants of social position and political power. Thomas Jefferson was a stong advocate of meritocracy types of government believing it was superior to all other known forms of government….

The word “meritocracy” is now often used to describe a type of society where wealth, position, and social status are in part assigned through competition or demonstrated talent and competence, on the assumption that positions of trust, responsibility and socilal prestige should be earned not inherited or assigned on arbitraty quotas. Critics claim meritocracy is a form of Social Darwinism. Just why this is considered wrong is unclear….

In a representative democracy where power is theoretically in the hands of the elected representatives, meritocratic elements include the use of expert consultants to help formulate policies, and a meritocratic civil service where membership is based on passing tests and being promoted on demonstrated talent and merit to implement them. The perennial problem in advocating meritocracy is defining what is meant by merit and immplementing a fair system of promotions and testing.

hmph?!