Sample Final Exam Questions: Internet and the Future of Democracy
Professor: Peter M Shane and Peter Muhlberger

Part One

Discuss the evidence that suggests that deliberative democracy is or is not a possibility today. Bring to bear historical evidence of democratic deliberation, current political ignorance and lack of sophistication, and research on mechanisms that can make people more informed and sophisticated. (about 3 paragraphs, 10 points)

Define "autonomy" and elaborate on how autonomy serves as an argument for deliberative democracy. (1-2 paragraphs. 5 points)

We have examined four basic social science approaches relevant to democracy and the Internet: rational choice (as we read in Class 12), social psychology (as we read in Class 13), symbolic interactionism (Classes 14 and 15), and small group processes (the "sociological approach" of Class 16). Describe the essence of each approach and explain two or three key insights it offers regarding the democratic uses of the Internet. (about 4 paragraphs. 12 points)

The Salvaggio readings and Webster appear to disagree with Castells on a fundamental point-whether we live in an information society. Explain the nature of the disagreement and who you think is right. In doing so, you may need to explain what would constitute evidence that we now live in an information society rather than in the society that preceded it. (About 4 paragraphs. 10 points)

Part Two

Identify at least three ways in which current political campaign discussion in the United States falls short of the ideal preconditions for "deliberative discourse" in Habermas' sense. For each of these shortcomings, mention a way in which the Internet might be used as a partial remedy for the problem you have identified. (2-3 paragraphs. 12 points)

Briefly describe at least three differences between the liberal/Lockean view of democracy and either the civic republican view or the deliberative democracy view with regard to (a) how each theory conceives of political rights, (b) how each theory conceives of the formation of political values, (c) how each theory conceives of what it means to be engaged in politics, and (d) how each theory conceives of the ultimate good to be produced by legitimate government. In drawing your contrasts, be sure to state for any topic whether you are referring to the civic republican view or the deliberative democracy view. (2-3 paragraphs. 6 points)

Write 2-3 paragraphs explaining what Putnam means by "social capital," why he theorizes that social capital is important to democracy, and how social scientists might explore whether electronic communication via the Internet is good or bad for (or irrelevant to) the creation of social capital. (10 points)

One study we read concerning local government web sites concluded that the "information and communications applications [within such sites] tend to concentrate heavily in the areas of enterprise and service provision functions rather than facilitating communication between residents, access to policymakers, or democratic discourse generally." Relying on your common sense as well as our readings, write 1-2 paragraphs speculating as to explanations for this phenomenon, and explaining ways in which a web site aimed at "participatory reform" would likely differ from a web site aimed at "entrepreneurial/management reform." (8 points).

Briefly identify 3 ways in which James Madison believed the structure of the new United States government under the Constitution of 1787 would contribute to deliberative legislative decision making that would focus on the public interest. (1-2 paragraphs. 9 points.)

Explain, from the point of view of either Robert Bennett or Iris Young, why it is consistent with deliberative democracy to insure that a legislative body includes actual members of (not merely representatives of) historically disempowered groups in society. (1 paragraph. 4 points)

Identify at least three different ways in which a social scientist might characterize or describe a "digital divide" that makes the Internet a more powerful tool for some groups in society rather than others. (1 paragraph. 6 points)