Harry Potter is an interesting read on society
The media in HP is irresponsible and vindictive, constantly pushing opinions as news. When confronted with truth, they ignore it in favor of stories that fit their view. They live by the Clintonian phrase "How can we fool them today".
The Ministry of Magic is chiefly concerned with perpetuating itself. It also takes a dim view of the truth if the truth is different from its views. If truth is different from their beliefs, truth is BAD and evil. They don't hesitate to use their police powers to guard themselves from the truth.
The House elves are bound by rules that lack reason. They love slavery and hate freedom. Anyone who enjoys freedom is considered a freak and is sometimes punished. Being kept down is a full time job with them. Slavery is freedom.
I agree! Like the author's home (Britain) there are a lot of government agencies that seem to regulate everything. However, it is interesting to note that the bureaucracy is portrayed in a very negative light and the heroes constantly fight against it as well as Lord Voldemort.
BTW, I believe the author mischaracterized or exaggerated a few aspects of the Harry Potter mythos. For example, attending Hogwarts appears to be a privilege and is not free.