Final answer:
The US Government is a form of bureaucracy, characterized by hierarchical authority, job specialization, and formalized rules, which is designed to manage tasks efficiently on a large scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
A bureaucracy, in a sociological context, describes a type of organization that is hierarchical with specific functions and operates through a system of formalized rules and procedures. According to sociologist Amitai Etzioni, formal organizations can be categorized as normative, coercive, or utilitarian. However, the US Government, which is tasked with formulating, enacting, and enforcing public policy, is an example of a bureaucracy, defined by its structured format of administration and operational procedures. The government serves as a classic example of a bureaucracy. Indeed, it is an ideal type of formal organization, not because it's the "best," but because it encompasses the characteristics that typically describe a bureaucratic institution. This includes hierarchical authority, job specialization, and a set of formalized rules. Since bureaucracies are designed to handle complex and large-scale tasks efficiently, the US Government is bureaucratically structured to manage the collective affairs of the nation.