Through the Internet, citizens are able to access vast amounts of government data. National archives, tax advice, tourist information, armed forces recuiting, you name it, it's all available online. Also readily available is political opinion. Commentary of all shades appears on the Internet, where it reaches a large audience. The Internet taps into both the functioning of the government and the government's information databases, making its operation and resources more accessible to citizens.

  • Politics Online - on the growing role of the Internet in the political realm.

  • Democratic National Committee - detailing current issues and challenges, encouraging political action, and providing answers to frequently asked questions.

  • Republican National Committee -"Republican Main Street" provides press releases, advice on running for office, a political crossword, and details about the functioning of the RNC.

  • White House for Kids - Socks the Cat guides you through the White House, offering information on Presidents, their children and the history of the country. There is also a grown-up tour that includes documentation, history, and news.

  • THOMAS - U.S. Congress on the Internet - "In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson," this site brings Congress's activities to your computer. What is going on in Congress this week? How is a bill made? How did my Senator vote? Find out here.

  • Congressional Quarterly's American Voter - not sponsored by the government, but certainly about it. News, views and political information in an easy-to-use format.

  • WhiteHouse 2000 - looks forward to the race in 2000 and looks back at the campaigns, analysis and political humor from 1996.

  • National Archives and Records Exhibit Hall - NARA is an independent federal agency that preserves the nation's history and federal records. Vivid online exhibits showcase both historical documents and artwork.

  • Internal Revenue Service - a surprisingly cheerful site that provides forms, information, advice, comments, help and more.

  • National Security Archive -looking for declassified documents? This is the place.

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorials - links to memorials of Vietnam soldiers from around the world. A powerful, touching site.







 

"If one views the medium of the Net as itself the primary fact of political significance, then its explosive growth seems to warrant giant expectations about an "electronic democracy" of some new kind. But the transformations considered here depend vitally not just on the volume of communication but on its substance."

Bruce Bimber, The Internet and Political Transformation