The president also reviews agency budgets, through the Office of Management and Budget. A president's disapproval of agency initiatives can block appropriations in Congress. The president may also use an executive order, a formal directive, to direct federal agencies or officials. One technique that has been used frequently is the president's authority to modify the organizational structure of the bureaucracy. This law recognizes that although responsibility for the organization and structure of the executive branch is vested in Congress, the president needs flexibility to carry out executive duties.
Public opinion is another forceful weapon against unbridled agency action.
A few jurisdictions of the United States have created special public offices to investigate complaints about administrative misconduct. Investigators holding these offices, called ombudspersons, usually have broad authority to evaluate individual complaints, to intercede on behalf of beleaguered victims of red tape, and to make reports or recommendations. Articles from West's Encyclopedia of American Law are published on West Legal Directory with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice. If legal advice or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.