Bureaucracy : It can be defined as a system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by the state officials rather than by elected representatives. Purpose and functions of bureaucracy: 

(i) Implementation of governmental policies and laws : It is the responsibility of the bureaucracy to carry out and implement the policies of the government. 

(ii) Role in policy-formulation : Bureaucracy plays an active role in policy formulation. Civil servants supply the data needed by the political executives for formulating the policies and describe the merits and demerits of each policy. 

(iii) Running administration : To run the day to day administration in accordance with the policies, laws, rules, regulations and decisions of the government is also the key responsibility of the bureaucracy. 

(iv) Advisory function : One of the most important functions of the bureaucracy is to advise the political executives. As qualified, experienced and expert civil servants working in all government departments, they provide expert and professional advice and information to the ministers.