Bureaucrats in democracies usually have discretionary power over their activities, while the head of government in authoritarian regimes exercises almost complete control over bureaucratic activities. Bureaucrats are appointed rather than elected in both systems, but those in authoritarian regimes are more likely to receive their jobs through patronage rather than merit.

19. Bureaucracies
in Democracies
Bureaucracies in
Authoritarian Regimes
Bureaucrats usually have
discretionary power.
The head of government
exercises almost complete
control over bureaucratic
activities.
Bureaucrats are usually
appointed, not elected.
Bureaucrats are more likely to
receive their jobs through
patronage than merit.