Pressure groups

Question 1

How can iron triangles be seen as significant in the US?

Answer 1

1. They allow congressional committees to give funding and political support to federal government
   E.g. ???
   (
2. They allow pressure groups to deliver congressional support support for federal government through lobbying Congress
   E.g. the NRA’s lobbied Congress to reject gun control legislation during Obama’s administration
   (thus protecting the 2nd Amendment by preventing any meaningful gun laws from being passed)
3. They allow the federal bureaucracy to give congressional committees the policy choices and executes that policy
   E.g. ???
   (this therefore provides congressional committees with more influence since they can work with Congress to propose legislation which is mutually beneficial)

Question 2

Are pressure groups too powerful?

Answer 2

1. Yes, legislators are afraid of upsetting key pressure groups
   E.g. many Republicans fear being given a bad rating by the NRA. Ted Cruz was given an A grade.

No, pressure groups represent and reflect the vast array of groups, beliefs and causes in an increasingly diverse USA
E.g. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

2. Yes, potential corruption and undue influence as many lobbyists are former congressmen, revolving doors
   E.g. House Representative Lynn Jenkins launched a lobbying firm while still serving in Congress

No, lobbyists are regulated to an extent
E.g. 2007 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act strengthens public disclosure requirements concerning lobbying activity and funding, places more restrictions on gifts for members of Congress