The text notes that each functional policy area tends to operate in isolation from the remainder of the government. What is the practical result of this approach? Additionally, identify and discuss the principal actors in iron triangles, what each contributes to the iron triangle, and the relationship that develops among the principal actors through the policymaking process. Provide a specific example of each contribution and discuss generally how the needs of each actor are fulfilled through the iron triangle.

What will be an ideal response?

The practical result of this approach is that the powers and legitimacy of government are used to advance individual or group interests in society rather than the general public interest. The principal actors in iron triangles are (1) interest groups, (2) congressional committees or subcommittees, and (3) administrative agencies. Interest groups deliver votes and possess information valuable to government officials; congressional committees or subcommittees possess and contribute to the triangle expertise, direct benefits to constituencies, and wield power over the policymaking process; and administrative agencies contribute a means to achieve desired goals along with possessing their own policy ideas. Each actor in the iron triangle needs the other two to reach its goal. The style that develops from this sense of dependence is symbiotic. Examples of the fact that each of the actors needs the other actors in the iron triangle include the following: The pressure group needs the agency to deliver services to its members and to provide a friendly point of access to government. The agency needs the pressure group to mobilize political support for its programs among the affected clientele. Letters from constituents to influential representatives and senators must be mobilized to argue that the agency is doing a good job and could do an even better job if given more money or a certain policy change. The pressure group needs the congressional committee again as a point of access and as an internal advocate in Congress. And the committee needs the pressure group to mobilize votes for its members and to explain to group members how and why they are doing a good job in Congress. The pressure group can also be a valuable source of policy ideas and research for busy politicians. Finally, the committee members need the agency as an instrument for producing services to their constituents and for developing new policy initiatives. The agency has the research and policy analytic capacity that Congress members often lack, so committees can profit from their association with the agencies. And the agency obviously needs the committee to legitimate its policy initiatives and provide it with funds.