Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the highlighted words.
A government that takes decisions based on the recommendations of state officials instead of elected representatives

Correct option is D

The correct substitution of the highlighted words is (d) Bureaucracy.
Explanation: Bureaucracy refers to a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. (प्रशासनतंत्र)
Grammatical rule used: One-word substitution is used to replace a phrase with a single term that best conveys the full meaning.
Example: The inefficiency of bureaucracy can delay urgent matters.
�� Information booster:
A bureaucracy is often associated with a rigid, hierarchical system where power is in the hands of non-elected officials.
Meanings of the given other options:
· (a) Gerontocracy: Government by the elderly (वृद्ध जनों की सरकार)
· (b) Democracy: Government by the people, especially through elected representatives (लोकतंत्र)
· (c) Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power (एकतंत्री शासन)