Political web sites and e-mail lists were novelties in 1996. By 2000, they were a news trend. By 2004, they will be a part of every electoral and policy campaign. News-seekers, activists, and decision-makers increasingly turn to the Net as a matter of course. The Civic Web delineates the basic issues, opportunities, and dilemmas posed by the introduction of computer-networked communications into U.S. national politics. Leading scholars from several academic disciplines join pioneer practitioners of online advocacy, discussion, and law in considering how the Internet can host, and even advance, enlightened self-government by a free people in a constitutional republic.
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Anderson and Cornfield (both of George Washington U.'s Graduate School of Political Management) present 12 essays that examine the impact of widespread use of the Internet on the institutions and processes of American democracy. They also offer advice on how to configure Internet regulations so that it can strengthen democratic processes. Issues of the impact of the Internet's style of communication and the possibilities for anonymity are discussed. Elections and election law are examined in later articles. Uses of the Internet for civic advocacy are explored and visions of a Internet-driven "renewal of democracy" are discussed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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