Final answer:
Multiple states are associated with the practice of consulting academics for policy-making. States serve as "laboratories of democracy" and leverage academic expertise for economic and educational policy guidance, with interest groups often lobbying for supportive measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of consulting academics to help shape government policy is notably associated with various states in the U.S., rather than a single state. Governments often turn to academic experts to gain the in-depth knowledge and analytical tools required to devise effective public policies. This approach of harnessing academic insight underpins the concept that states can serve as "laboratories of democracy," as observed by Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. Such experimentation can influence policies on various issues, including economic regulation and education funding. On the subject of education, states have traditionally taken the lead in the U.S., but with increasing globalization and competitiveness, the federal government has also played a role in ensuring equitable access to education. Interest groups, including universities and public interest groups like the National Governors Association, lobby for favorable policies at both the state and federal levels.