Issue networks are comprised of a large number of participants with variable degrees of mutual commitment or of dependence on others in their environment. It is almost impossible to say where a network leaves off and its environment begins. Iron triangles on the other hand, link executive bureaus, congressional committees, and interest group clienteles with a stake in particular programs. Iron triangles and subgovernments typically have a stable set of participants combined to control fairly narrow public programs which are in the direct economic interest of each party to the alliance. Issue networks are almost the mirror image in every respect.
Participants move in and out of the networks constantly.
No one appears to control the policies and issues. Any direct material interest is secondary to intellectual or emotional commitment. Network members reinforce each other's sense of issues as their interests, rather than interests defining positions on issues. Issue networks are shared-knowledge groups that have something to do with some aspect of public policy. Instead of power commensurate with responsibility, issue networks seek influence commensurate with their understanding of the various, complex social choices being made.