What is the role of the office of ombudsman?

• A. The office acts as policy advisor to Parliament.
• B. The office acts as a formal external control, with legal power to investigate complaints made by citizens.
• C. The office prosecutes citizens.
• D. The office issues binding determinations in private disputes.

Answer: (B)

An ombudsman is an independent, external reviewer for complaints about government agencies. Their role is about oversight and accountability: they have statutory authority to investigate complaints made by citizens, gather evidence, and report back with findings and any recommended remedies. The emphasis is on addressing maladministration and ensuring fair treatment, not on setting policy, prosecuting individuals, or making binding decisions in private disputes. Because of its external, oversight-focused function and the ability to require information and prompt action through recommendations, the ombudsman best fits the description of a formal external control with the legal power to investigate citizen complaints.