Why are pork barrel projects done and who benefits from them?

Answer 1

help politicians win support from their constituents

Answer 2

Pork barrel projects are one way of playing politics. Someone will tack on a pet project or something they want to get done, usually onto an unrelated bill. Whoever tries to tack on the pork barrel item or initiates it's inclusion is likely who benefits. For instance, if House and Senate are comprised of differing parties, then one of those bodies of Congress may threaten to not vote for something they are not particularly keen of unless they get what they want too.

Sometimes there are conflicts of interest, such as when a lawmaker has a vested interest in someone manufacturing something that the government, in theory, could use. So they may do what they can to create an expensive government project that uses as many goods and services related to the company they have a vested interest in.

At the far unreasonable extreme are overt criminal actions such as fake projects and kickbacks. What if a state governor and state legislators decide to approve a project which does not exist and pocket the money?

Answer 3

Pork barrel projects are typically done to benefit a specific group or region, often for political gain. Elected officials use these projects to reward their constituents and secure their support. The benefits are mainly reaped by the recipients of the projects, such as local businesses, organizations, or individuals in the designated area.

Answer 4

These projects help politicians win support from their constituents by funneling money from other projects back into their own state.