Final answer:
An iron triangle is a stable arrangement between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies with a symbiotic relationship, while an issue network is a more inclusive concept with multiple actors collaborating on a policy issue. The iron triangle is known for being exclusive, and the issue network for its transient and broad participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iron Triangle vs. Issue Network
The iron triangle refers to a hypothetical arrangement between three key players in US politics: interest groups, congressional committee members, and bureaucratic agencies. These entities form a stable, mutually beneficial relationship, where each side provides essential support to the other two. Interest groups offer campaign contributions and knowledge to legislators, who in turn pass laws favoring the group’s interests. These groups and legislators then rely on the bureaucratic agencies to enforce these laws, and the agencies depend on the groups for information and Congress for funding. This setup is known for being exclusive and challenging for outside actors to penetrate, as depicted in answer choice C, which refers to a symbiotic relationship among the three sides of the triangle.
In contrast, the issue network is a more inclusive and fluid concept introduced by Hugh Heclo that includes a larger, more diverse array of actors, such as lawyers, consultants, academics, and public interest groups, who come together to support or oppose a policy or issue. Unlike the relatively closed system of the iron triangle, the issue network is characterized by more transient relationships and a broader range of participants influencing public policy.
The debate around whether there is a balance of power between political figures and the public concerning the media's role in dictating policy topics reflects on different governance structures' inclusivity, highlighting critiques of the iron triangle's exclusive nature and suggesting a shift towards more dynamic issue networks. However, the question of a true balance of power remains complex and is beyond the scope of the iron triangle and issue network discussion.