Final answer:
An iron triangle is a hypothetical arrangement among a federal agency, a client group, and a congressional committee, where each benefits from the others. It is difficult for outsiders to break into this arrangement, making it challenging for other groups or individuals to influence the policy-making process.
Step-by-step explanation:
An iron triangle is a hypothetical arrangement among three elements: a federal agency, a client group, and a congressional committee. These three elements have a symbiotic relationship, where each benefits from the others.
The interest group provides campaign contributions and policy information to the committee, the committee considers laws favorable to the interest group, and the agency implements the law with funding and autonomy from the committee. It is difficult for outsiders to break into this arrangement, making it challenging for other groups or individuals to influence the policy-making process.