What is the primary principle of a meritocracy?

The primary principle of a meritocracy is that people achieve success based on their abilities, talents, and hard work rather than their background or connections. In a meritocratic system, everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, and rewards like jobs or promotions are given to those who perform best. For example, if two students take the same exam, the one who studies harder and understands the material better should ideally score higher and get more opportunities, like scholarships or good colleges. This system encourages individuals to put in effort, knowing that their achievements will be recognized and rewarded. However, it's important to ensure that everyone truly has the same chances to succeed, as real-life barriers can sometimes prevent this from happening.