Defense-Related Expenditures Distribution in the United States

What is the distribution pattern of defense-related expenditures in the United States according to the conventional wisdom?

Final answer:

The distribution of defense-related expenditures in the United States follows the iron triangle theory, with a few states having high defense spending and most states having lower values. This pattern is influenced by the interest of legislators in their own districts.

The distribution of defense-related expenditures in the United States follows a pattern known as the iron triangle. This theory suggests that defense spending is concentrated in a few states, with the majority of states having lower values of defense-related expenditures. The reason behind this is the interest of legislators in their own districts, as the U.S. government spreads out its spending on military bases and weapons programs across congressional districts.