Politics as Usual: The Cyberspace `Revolution′ (Contemporary American Politics)

Examining the effects of the Internet on American politics, this book reveals its potential as a tool for empowering people to challenge existing power structures. However, the authors show how the American political system tends to normalize political activity, and thus the Internet′s vast subversive potential could be lost, rendering it just another purveyor of ignored information. Cyberspace is no longer a mystery. It has become irrevocably intertwined with everyday life, facilitating everything from reading the news and paying the bills to ordering birthday presents. We are in the midst of a revolution in mass communication, and there now exists the technology for creating new forms of community, empowering citizens, and challenging existing power structures. But will such changes occur? In this fascinating book Michael Margolis and David Resnick ponder the effects of cyberspace on American Politics. Our political system tends to normalize political activity, and thus, the Internet′s vast potential could be lost, rendering it just another purveyor of ignored information. This broad examination begins with a history of cyberspace and moves through discussions of parties, political interest groups, candidates, mass media, information dissemination, and commercial uses of the Internet. Politics as Usual offers an innovative and exciting look into previously ignored aspects of the Internet and American politics. Cover 1 Contents 6 preface 8 Chapter 1 - The Normalization of Cyberspace 12 Chapter 2 - Democracy in Cyberspace: A Brief History 36 Chapter 3 - Parties and Interest Groups: Organizing, Lobbying, and Electioneering in Cyberspace 64 Chapter 4 - Elected Officials and Government Bureaucracy in Cyberspace 88 Chapter 5 - The Internet, Mass Media, and Public Opinion 110 Chapter 6 - Doing Business on the Web New Rules and New Taxes? 128 Chapter 7 - Gambling on the Internet: A Case Study in the Politics of Regulation 168 Chapter 8 - Criminal Activity in Cyberspace and What to do about It 192 Chapter 9 - Democracy and Cyberspace: A Peek into the Future 216 References 236 Index 252 About the Authors 257 The Normalization Of Cyberspace -- Democracy In Cyberspace : A Brief History -- Parties And Interest Groups : Organizing, Lobbying, And Electioneering In Cyberspace -- Elected Officials And Government Bureaucracy In Cyberspace -- The Internet, Mass Media, And Public Opinion -- Doing Business On The Web : New Rules And New Taxes? -- Gambling On The Internet : A Case Study In The Politics Of Regulation -- Criminal Activity In Cyberspace And What To Do About It -- Democracy And Cyberspace : A Peek Into The Future. Michael Margolis, David Resnick. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 225-240) And Index. 'Politics As Usual' examines the effects of cyberspace on American politics. The Internet could empower citizens to challenge existing power structures, but the authors argue that the American system tends to normalise political activity