Iron Triangle
Definition
The iron triangle is a unique relationship between bureaucracy (government agencies), congressmen, and lobbyists that results in the mutual benefit of all three of them.
Analogy
Think of an iron triangle like a band. The lead singer (Congress) writes the lyrics (laws), but needs the drummer (bureaucracy) to keep time and rhythm (implementing laws), and the guitarist (lobbyists/interest groups) to add melody and harmony (influence policy). They all need each other to make great music.
Related terms
Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives. It's like our drummer keeping time.
Lobbyist: A person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators. This is our guitarist adding melody.
Policy Making Process: The procedure through which government decisions about policy proposals are made. It's like how our band decides on what song they're going to play next.
"Iron Triangle" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (6)
- What is the iron triangle?
- What does an 'iron triangle' refer to in policy development?
- What is an Iron Triangle in context of policy making?
- What does the term "iron triangle" refer to in relation to bureaucratic agencies?
- How does an iron triangle work to influence policy making?
- How does the term "iron triangle" relate to US government bureaucracy in terms of policy-making?
Resources
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