Bureaucracy (noun)

1. A system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
2. A system of administration characterized by officialism, red tape, and proliferation of forms and rules.

Origin:

Late 18th century: from french bureaucratie, from bureau (see bureau) + -cratie (see -cracy).

Examples:

1. He was frustrated by the bureaucracy of the government.
2. The bureaucracy was slow to respond to the crisis.
3. The bureaucracy was bogged down by paperwork.
4. The bureaucracy was known for its inefficiency.
5. He had to navigate the bureaucracy to get his permits.