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Difficulty: EasyIron Triangles and Issue Networks

Environmental protection advocates note that the Environmental Protection Agency, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and major oil industry lobbyists have formed a long-lasting relationship to coordinate clean air regulations. These three entities consistently trade resources, such as campaign contributions and regulatory relief, to maintain their mutual interests. Which of the following concepts is best illustrated by this scenario?

  1. An iron triangleAnswer
  2. B
    An issue network
  3. C
    A political party
  4. D
    A trustee model of representation

Answer

An iron triangle
The correct answer is the concept of an iron triangle. An iron triangle is defined as the strong, stable, and mutually beneficial relationship that develops between a bureaucratic agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group. In this scenario, the Environmental Protection Agency represents the bureaucratic agency, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce represents the congressional committee, and the oil industry lobbyists represent the interest group.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key actors involved in the scenario.
The actors are the Environmental Protection Agency (a bureaucratic agency), the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (a congressional committee), and oil industry lobbyists (an interest group).
Understanding the components of the policy relationship is necessary to classify it.
2
Analyze the nature of the relationship between these actors.
The relationship is described as long-lasting, closed, and based on mutual exchange of benefits like campaign contributions and regulatory relief.
This helps distinguish between a stable iron triangle and a fluid issue network.
3
Select the concept that represents a stable, three-way alliance between these specific actors.
An iron triangle is the term used to describe this specific, mutually reinforcing policy relationship.
An iron triangle fits the three-actor, stable, and mutually beneficial definition perfectly.

Key Concept

Iron Triangles

Hints

1
Identify the three groups involved in the scenario: a congressional committee, a federal agency, and an interest group.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Iron Triangles and Issue Networks

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