Bureaucracy

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/bureaucracy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the organizational model?Hierarchical structure with specialized roles and formal rules
2. What is the key personnel?Civil servants, defined by their non-elected status and expertise
3. Why do we need bureaucracy in big places like cities or companies?It helps big places run smoothly by making sure everyone knows what to do and follows the same rules, so nothing gets lost or done unfairly.
4. How does bureaucracy keep things fair and predictable?Because it uses written rules and a clear hierarchy, decisions are made the same way every time, which keeps things fair and helps people trust the system.

Rational-Legal Authority: Authority derived from established laws, rules, and procedures, not tradition or charisma.
Impersonality: Treating individuals and situations according to established rules, without personal bias or favoritism.
Discretion: The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation; the power or right to make official choices.