Final answer:
Special Access Programs are established when there is a need for increased security in sensitive areas, often influenced by easily identifiable special interest groups and can be a response to specific economic crises, such as the sub-prime mortgage crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special Access Programs (SAPs) are typically established under circumstances where there is a need for heightened security measures due to the sensitivity of the information or technology being protected. These programs dictate the terms and conditions that state governments must meet to qualify for financial assistance in a specific policy area. Special Access Programs often form around areas with special interests where the beneficiaries are easily identifiable, whereas the individuals who bear the costs might be unaware or less organized.
These special interests can influence the establishment of SAPs, and these programs could be a response to particular economic conditions or crises. For instance, the dramatic increase in enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the sub-prime mortgage crisis reflects how special programs can expand when there is increased demand due to economic downturns.