Final answer:
The degree of autonomy is the most significant factor when assessing the power of a bureaucracy, as it determines how independently it can operate from political influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating the power of a bureaucracy, the most important consideration is C) The degree of autonomy it has. This aspect determines how independently a bureaucracy can operate from elected officials. Bureaucracies with high autonomy can develop their own rules and have control over their own budgets, which allows them to act independently of political changes and potentially steer actions toward their preferences.
A bureaucracy's size, both in terms of its budget and the number of agencies it contains, could affect its power, but these are less indicative of its ability to operate independently. While the diversity of its workforce is important for a range of reasons, including representation and equity, it does not inherently determine the bureaucratic power. Therefore, the degree of autonomy is the most significant factor when assessing the actual power that a bureaucracy wields within a government system.