Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy refers to the many levels and functions of organizations or governments. Each of these levels generally fills a small, but necessary, function in the processing of paperwork and laws. Frequently people find dealing with a bureaucracy very frustrating and time-consuming. The details and paperwork that comes with dealing with a bureaucracy is sometimes colloquially called "red tape." This term is thought to originate after the British habit of tying official files and correspondence up with red ribbon. A term"bureaucrat" refers to a person who works within a bureaucracy or a government system, typically one who is involved in procedural or systematic work.