what is the word that people use alot when they describe a government or society that only cares about money or money rules the society?
Plutocracy.
(You mean I got one?)
Materialistic
Edited title to indicate subject.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
Khampelf got it.
Since the OP specified that it is a word that is “used a lot”, I’ll vote for capitalist, though after reading the definition, plutocracy does seem more correct.
Ferengi
It’s not just definition, it’s also grammar.
“Capitalist” is merely an adjective, while “plutocracy” is a noun. I can’t say “I live in a capitalist”, the way I used to say “I live in a democracy”.
I was hoping someone would suggest a one-word noun which was clearly based on the word “capitalist”. “Plutocracy” is technically correct, but most people don’t know what it means. If I try saying “I live in a plutocracy”, people will think that I’m from a place ruled by Disney dogs that can’t speak.
Have their ever been any actual plutocracies? Perhaps in Renaissance Italy, or 17th Century Netherlands?
Capitalism? 
I know, I know- you’re really looking for a one-word synonym for “capitalist society”, right? I’m guessing there isn’t one because the concept of “capitalism” as we know it today wasn’t really around in Ancient Greek times when the words plutocracy, aristocracy etc. orginated, and there’s no real need for one now.
From the OP
bolding mine.
We use adjectives to describe things, not nouns.
The Venetian Republic, the Dux was chosen among the rich merchant families. It wasn’t a straight case of “the guy with the most toys rules,” but then, neither are our current democracies and republics completely free of plutocracy.
That is incorrect. Capitalism is simply a system where wealth and property is privately owned. A capitalist society can become a plutocracy if income disparity becomes too high. They are not, however, synonymous.
I think Massilia (now Marseilles) was a plutocracy, but that’s based on a hazy memory of a fictional novel (by Steven Saylor, historian), albeit one that tries to stay true to its historical context.
The Western world?
(sorry)
That’s rule by thieves, who come to power by force or heredity and *take *the money.
Valete,
Vox Imperatoris