Final answer:
Pork barrel projects are approved mainly because they enable politicians to gain support by funding localized projects that benefit their constituents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pork barrel projects are typically approved because they help politicians win support from their constituents. This practice involves allocating government funds for local projects that are primarily intended to benefit a specific district or group of people within a politician's constituency. This way, legislators aim to gain favor with local voters, who will see direct advantages in their community, such as new buildings, infrastructure, or jobs. Meanwhile, the costs of these projects are spread across the entire country, leading to a situation where a small group benefits at the expense of the larger population.