The Rise and Fall of Special Interest Politics

Abstract

In his farewell address to administrative officials, President Ronald Reagan warned Americans against power of and triangles. A triangle of institutions parts of Congress, media and special interest groups is transforming and placing out of focus our constitutional balance, he cautioned. Some have used term 'iron triangle' to describe what I'm talking about, he added. Its power derives its permanence and from its ability to focus debate and overwhelming resources like campaign money and letter writing campaigns -on issues that don't command broad and intense national attention. An iron triangle of special interests, congressional subcommittees, and media hype worked to influence public policies in ways detrimental to interests of public at large. Because of its power, the iron triangle has virtually shut off public debate. Special interest groups focus all their resources and members on this line or that in budget. And Members of Congress ... with dependence on special interest campaign financing and their fear of bucking any group that is strongly committed to a spending program, take up banner and join charge. We need to remember that the strength of our nation has never been with Washington colony but with American people.1 It is burden of this article that Ronald Reagan's warning was already dated at time he gave his speech. The problem that he identified had been receding