To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the internet in American democracy, Bruce Bimber sets the contemporary information revolution in historical context, asserting that past developments in American history offer important lessons for understanding how the internet is affecting politics. He examines how citizens and organizations use it for political purposes and is especially interested as to whether new technology is making Americans more engaged in their government. This study about the internet and politics combines historical and survey analysis with case studies of political events.

1. Information and political change; 2. Information revolutions in American political development; 3. The fourth information revolution and post-bureaucratic pluralism; 4. Political organizations in the fourth information revolution; 5. Political individuals in the fourth information revolution; 6. Information, equality, and integration in the public sphere.