ABSTRACT
The Kings and Kingmakers model is one way to conceptualize players in the agricultural policy-making process. In contrast, the Iron Triangle model of policy making portrays powerful groups as the movers of agricultural policy. Daniel M. Ogden conceptualized the Power Clusters model of policy making. Various theories conceptualize who makes agricultural policy, how it is made, and the motivations for making specific agricultural policy. The Congress corner, as related to agriculture has traditionally been dominated by the chairs of agricultural and appropriations committees. House and Senate Agriculture Committees are the most important authorizing committees for programs affecting agriculture. These committees contain subcommittees to deal with specific aspects of rural, farm, and food policy. Congressional staff members are often specialists, serving on Committees and for individual House and Senate members. Congressional staffers are key players in the legislative process, providing expertise relating to specialized issues and in getting processes completed.
