Choose the one-word substitution for the phrase "favouritism shown by a person in power to his relatives".

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of one-word substitutions, a common area in English vocabulary for competitive exams. The phrase describes a specific kind of unfair practice where a person in authority favours relatives over others. You must pick the single word that captures exactly this idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The description is:

• Favouritism shown by a person in power to his relatives

The options are:

• Formalism
• Red tapism
• Nepotism
• Bureaucracy

Concept / Approach:
Nepotism is the term used when a person in a position of authority gives jobs, benefits, or special treatment to relatives, especially in politics, business, or institutions. The other options refer to different administrative problems, such as rigid formality or excessive procedures. Therefore, the correct answer must clearly point to favouritism towards relatives.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key elements of the phrase: favouritism, person in power, and relatives. Step 2: Examine Formalism. This refers to strict or excessive adherence to prescribed forms, rules, or ceremonies, not to favouritism toward relatives. Step 3: Examine Red tapism. This describes excessive bureaucracy and delay caused by complex procedures and official rules. Step 4: Examine Nepotism. This word is used when those in authority favour relatives, especially by giving them jobs or advantages. Step 5: Examine Bureaucracy. This refers to a system of government or administration with many departments and officials, and sometimes slow procedures, but not necessarily favouritism to relatives. Step 6: Only Nepotism matches the full description in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence: The minister was criticised for practising nepotism by appointing his cousins to key positions. Here the word nepotism clearly indicates unfair preference given to family members. Substituting any of the other options would not convey the idea of favouring relatives. For example, saying the minister was criticised for bureaucracy would only refer to administrative complexity, not personal favouritism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Formalism is wrong because it relates to rigid attention to forms and rules, not personal favouritism. Red tapism is wrong because it describes excessive official procedures and delays rather than family based favour. Bureaucracy is wrong because it refers to a system of administration or its officials, not necessarily to favouritism. None of these alternatives capture the specific practice of promoting relatives simply because of family ties.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse red tapism and bureaucracy with any negative behaviour in government or offices. However, vocabulary questions require precise meanings. It is important to associate nepotism directly with relatives, while red tapism should be linked with paperwork and delay, and bureaucracy with complex administrative systems. Learning such terms in meaningful sentences helps retain their correct usage.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitution is Nepotism.