stride - Progress or advancement: A significant step forward in development or improvement; or a long step or pace: A way of walking with long, decisive steps.

The Supreme Court's decision was a signfication stride in the movement towards desegretation.
nepotism - When those with power or influence favor relatives, friends, or associates, such as by giving them jobs or ruling in their favor.

The public was disappointed by the nepotism of the newly elected mayor, when they saw that his whole government was filled with incompetent friends and relatives.