There are some basic characteristics that set issue networks apart from other groups trying to influence the executive establishment. First, an issue network is a shared-knowledge group having to do with some aspect of public policy. Heclo pointed out three advantages of the issue networks. They are listed below. The reliance of issue networks and policy politicians is consistent with some of the larger changes in society.
Voters are more in-tuned with issue based politics instead of party lines.
Issue networks are more concerned with solving problems, thus they offer a bridge between the executive and legislative branch. Increased maneuvering room offered to political executives by the loose- jointed play of influence. Although many feel issue networks offer a powerful resource for public servants, there are those critics who say issue networks threatened American government. The first and most important complaint is the democratic legitimacy . Critics claim issue networks have no democratically based power.