Final answer:
Iron triangles prioritize narrow interests over the general welfare, potentially undermining democratic principles by fostering close, mutually beneficial relationships between Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups. Option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iron triangles could be considered fundamentally detrimental to a democratic society because they prioritize specific interests over the general welfare and common good.
This phenomenon is a symbiotic relationship among Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups that often ensure that policies benefitting these groups take precedence, potentially at the expense of broader democratic principles and the needs of the general public.
As powerful as they are, iron triangles contribute to a form of governance where a few well-placed entities work to maintain their influence, reduce political competition, and exert control over policy-making processes, which can lead to the undermining of political accountability and broader democratic inclusiveness.
Hence, option b is correct.