Final Answer:
The fundamental difference between politicians and bureaucrats lies in their selection process. Politicians, such as members of parliament, congresspersons, or presidents, are elected by the public through democratic processes. Thus correct option is b) Politicians are elected, while bureaucrats are appointed for their jobs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental difference between politicians and bureaucrats lies in their selection process. Politicians, such as members of parliament, congresspersons, or presidents, are elected by the public through democratic processes. They campaign for office and win based on votes from constituents. On the other hand, bureaucrats are appointed to their positions, typically based on merit, qualifications, or through a selection process that doesn't involve direct public voting. They're chosen based on expertise, experience, or sometimes by the elected officials they serve.
In democratic systems, politicians hold positions of governance and are accountable to the public through periodic elections. Their role involves decision-making, policy formulation, and representing the interests of the electorate. Conversely, bureaucrats are career civil servants who work within government agencies, implementing policies, providing expertise, and ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations. Their positions are often based on meritocracy and expertise in specific domains, aiming for efficiency and continuity in governance regardless of changes in political leadership.
This distinction is crucial as it separates the elected representatives, who carry the public mandate and set policy directions, from the appointed officials, who carry out the day-to-day administrative tasks and provide expertise in specialized areas. While both play essential roles in governance, their selection processes and functions within the government differ significantly.
Thus correct option is b) Politicians are elected, while bureaucrats are appointed for their jobs.