What type of agency is directly subject to the control of the president?

The correct answer highlights the nature of executive agencies, which are primarily under the control of the president. These agencies, such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Education, are part of the executive branch of government and carry out the administration's policies and programs. The president has the authority to appoint the heads of these agencies, and thus they serve at the president's pleasure, meaning they can be hired or fired at the president's discretion.

In contrast, independent agencies operate with a degree of independence from the executive branch and the president. While their leaders may be appointed by the president, they often cannot be easily removed without cause, which allows them to function with more autonomy. Local agencies pertain more to municipal governance and are not viewed in the context of federal agency control. Regulatory agencies are typically independent as well, designed to enforce specific regulations and standards but operate separately to avoid political influence. Thus, executive agencies represent the direct control aspect by the president, which aligns with the choice provided.