One word substitution: choose the word that can be substituted for the given description. Government by a department of state or by non elected officials.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of political and administrative terms. It asks you to identify the correct word for a system of government run mainly by departments and officials rather than by elected representatives directly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Description: Government by a department of state or by non elected officials.
• Options: Bureaucracy, Autocracy, Oligarchy, Hierarchy.
• The key idea is rule or control by officials and administrative departments.

Concept / Approach:
Bureaucracy refers to a system of government or administration in which important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. It also describes the complex organisation of departments and rules that control how a government functions. Autocracy and oligarchy are forms of political rule based on individuals or groups, not specifically tied to departmental administration.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the central feature in the description: government by departments and non elected officials. Step 2: Recall that Bureaucracy is associated with civil servants, official procedures, and departmental control. Step 3: Compare this idea with the meanings of Autocracy, Oligarchy, and Hierarchy. Step 4: Conclude that only Bureaucracy directly matches the description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard definitions describe Bureaucracy as a system of government where most important decisions are taken by state officials. In everyday language, people also use bureaucracy to refer to red tape and complex procedures in government offices. Both senses point to rule by officials, confirming the match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Autocracy: Means government by a single person with absolute power.
• Oligarchy: Means government by a small group of people, often from a privileged class.
• Hierarchy: Refers to an ordered ranking system where people or groups are ranked one above another; it is not a specific form of government by officials.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse Hierarchy with Bureaucracy because both relate to organisation and levels of authority. However only Bureaucracy highlights decision making by officials and departments as the central feature of governance. Remembering such precise definitions is important for one word substitution questions.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Bureaucracy.