Inkwell Institute

Professor’s Classroom

Subject:  Electoral Politics/Democracy/Political Theory

Paper #5

I have written a post on participatory democracy and how I think it would be a better way of governance….but then there is the question of how would the people stay totally informed…..My friend Quin or Quinesstential Havoc (go to blogroll) has said that technology would be a good starting place….so I decided to start there…….

So why not give wiki a shot at a definition:

a form of direct democracy that uses information technologies and communication technologies and strategies for political and governance processes. Such processes can be used for governance of local communities, nations and internationally. Democratic actors and sectors in this context include governments, elected officials, the media, political organizations, and citizens/voters.E-democracy aims for broader and more active citizen participation enabled by the Internet, mobile communications, and other technologies in today’s representative democracy, as well as through more participatory or direct forms of citizen involvement in addressing public challenges.

E-democracy is a relatively new concept, which has surfaced out of the popularity of the Internet and the need to reinvigorate interest in the democratic process. Access is the key to creating interest in the democratic process. Citizens are more willing to use Web sites to support their candidates and their campaign drives.^[5] In the United States, just over 50% of the population votes, and in the United Kingdom, only 69% of citizens vote.

The research indicates that the political process has been alienated from ordinary people, where laws are made by representatives far removed from ordinary people. The goal of e-democracy is to reverse the cynicism citizens have about their government institutions. However, there are increasing doubts about the real impact of electronic and digital tools on citizen participation and democratic governance, and warning against the “rhetoric” of electronic democracy.

I am positive that Quin will have a comment or two……

The Internet provides a distinctive structure of opportunities that has the potential to renew interest in civic engagement and participation. Civic engagement can be understood to include three distinct dimensions: political knowledge (what people learn about public affairs), political trust (the public’s orientation of support for the political system), and political participation (conventional activities designed to influence government and the decision-making process).

The information capacity available on the Internet allows citizens to become more knowledgeable about government and political issues, and the interactivity of the medium allows for new forms of communication with government and elected officials. The posting of contact information, legislation, agendas, and policies makes government more transparent, potentially enabling more informed participation both online and offline.

Broadband,  an up and coming phenom will be the greatest tool for the people’s participation…….but now we ask….will the people actually give a sh*t and actually participate in their government?  Or will they continue to piss and moan about it?  My guess is the later…..

This IS the future of politics and governance….like it or not…does not matter….it is coming and coming quickly!