Abstract
Given the dynamic development of the new media, in particular the Internet, the social, economic and cultural fields of modern life are undergoing changes as well as many others. New technologies have also had an impact on political and civil activities. Direct democracy and its tools are subjects of changes resulting from development of new technologies. The consequence of ICT impact on direct democracy is appearing a notion (or digital) direct democracy. The electronic form of direct governance has ICT-based tools of exercising power that are or can be used by citizens as an instrument for co-participating in shaping political life and decisions. These considerations aim to answer the question of how the use of the Internet can influence modern democracy, in particular the direct form of governance. The author intends to answer the following research questions: how are the instruments of direct democracy, such as referenda, popular initiative and popular assembly (and, by this token, direct democracy) changing (or how they might change) following the application of the Internet or other ICTs? What opportunities and threats might ICTs employed in direct democracy bring for democracy, authorities and society?
Highlights
Democracy is among the most popular terms in the political dictionary used in the contemporary world, it has to be admitted that its meaning has not been precisely determined
Like many other aspects of modern human activity, political life is changing due to the application of the Internet on an increasing scale, as evidenced by the emergence of such terms as electronic democracy (e-democracy) and electronic voting (e-voting)
Alongside democratic institutions, which are changing following the application of new media, profound changes are occurring in the field of the methods of electoral campaigns, the conditions of electoral silence and the methods of boosting voter turnout
Summary
Democracy is among the most popular terms in the political dictionary used in the contemporary world, it has to be admitted that its meaning has not been precisely determined. On top of the principle of the tripartite division of power, and the rule of law, the principle of the sovereignty of the nation is essential for a democratic state to operate. According to this principle, supreme power is exercised by the nation, understood as a legal community created by all citizens. Barber claims that democracy has to give freedom to citizens and, being a form of civic commitment, it is a source of civic virtues and community [Barber 1984: 179–180] These considerations aim to answer the question of how the use of the Internet can influence modern democracy, in particular the direct form of governance. In the article several good practices of the use of electronic forms of direct democracy will be mentioned
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