Which of the following is a common criticism of the bureaucracy?

• A. Conflict: Agencies work at cross purposes
• B. Duplication: Same duties cause mix ups
• C. Imperialism: Agencies get too big despite benefits
• D. Waste: Spending unnecessary

Answer: (B)

Duplication is a common criticism of the bureaucracy because when multiple agencies end up doing the same or similar tasks, resources are wasted and programs can become confusing or inconsistent. That overlap means more staffing, more paperwork, and more overhead without adding real value, making government less efficient. Reforms often aim to cut duplicated efforts by consolidating functions or clarifying which agency is responsible for what, addressing the root of this inefficiency. Other critiques like agencies pursuing conflicting objectives, imperialism (tending to expand power), or simply wasteful spending describe important issues, but duplication directly targets the inefficiency caused by overlapping duties, which is why it is the best fit here.