What does the term "iron triangle" refer to in the context of American government?

The term "iron triangle" refers specifically to the stable, mutually beneficial alliance formed among a government agency, a congressional committee (or subcommittee), and an interest group. This relationship allows each party to achieve its own goals: the agency benefits from the support of the congressional committee in securing funding and legislative support, the committee gains information and political backing from the interest group, and the interest group receives favorable policies and regulations from the agency.

This dynamic is significant in understanding how specific policies are shaped and influenced within the American government. The "iron triangle" enables these entities to work closely together and maintain their individual interests, often leading to streamlined processes that may prioritize the needs of special interests over the general public. Thus, this term highlights the intersections of bureaucracy, legislative processes, and interest group advocacy in the governance of the United States.