Next question to ponder......The Iron Triangle...what is it? Why is it critical for the functioning of a Republic???Who are the "players" involved?

Simply put, the iron triangle is a theory of our government that involves the cooperation and collaboration of congressional committees, interest groups, and federal departments or agencies in joining together to make decisions about a certain issue of public policy. This once again involves checks and balances in our government. The main idea behind the iron triangle is that the three different corners work together to make and help implement a law or decision. This not only disperses power between the three to deter tyranny and such, but it also allows for more discussion and thought about the measures being discussed. In other words, the iron triangle is the idea of a policy alliance between the three separate groups. Without the help of the other two sides, each group would be powerless in our government. The three players, as aforementioned, are congressional committees, interest groups, and federal departments or agencies. The reason that these three groups must interact and form a governmental bond is as follows. Let's use veteran's affairs as an example and say that there is more focus being put on veteran affairs in our government and the issue of rising awareness and help is needed. So lets say that Congress appropriates some money for several veteran agencies, such as the Department of Veteran Affairs, in order to help advance programs to increase awareness and help. If Congress does this, they will inevitably receive endorsements and money from special interest groups focused on Veteran's affairs. The reason Congress will get these benefits from the interest groups is because it is helping to endorse programs to advance awareness of veteran affairs. In turn, the interest groups that give money to Congress will get special services from the agency because the agency sees that these interest groups are helping advance the cause and ideas. Once again, the agencies that gave services to the interest groups will get money from Congress because they have helped out the interest groups who are helping alert the public of what's going on with the new veteran's process.
The reason that this concept of the iron triangle is so key to the functioning of our government is that, without it, corruption would take over and nothing would get done. Committees, interest groups, and agencies are all the workhorses of our government. They are the groups that make sure the stuff Congress and the president want gets done. Without their cooperation and interaction, no measures would be passed because there wouldn't be enough funding or tossing around of ideas. Also, this iron triangle provides yet another check on power in our government, making sure that one group doesn't gain to much influence over the others. In order for everything to work, it is essential for the separate groups to coordinate and cooperate.