write a research paper that explains how Information Technology (IT) promotes getting people who are affected by policies involved in the policy-making process. Cite specific examples. Requirements: You must reference two (2) peer-reviewed articles or papers that support your thesis statement. One of these papers may be from your annotated bibliography assignment. The final paper must be at least 500 words in length. (DO NOT exceed 500 words by a material amount. Excessive words or too many references will NOT impress me.) So in summary, here are the research paper requirements: 2 peer reviewed resources (articles or papers) (1 may be from your annotated bibliography assignment) Paper MUST address: How Information Technology (IT) promotes getting people who are affected by policies involved in the policy-making process. Cite specific examples. Cited sources must directly support your paper (i.e. not incidental references) At least 500 words in length (but NOT longer than 1000 words) If you are not sure how to identify peer reviewed papers or articles, please visit the following resources: http://diy.library.oregonstate.edu/using-google-scholar-find-peer-reviewed-articles http://libguides.gwu.edu/education/peer-reviewed-articles

Title: The Role of Information Technology in Enhancing Citizen Participation in Policy-Making

Introduction:
The advent of Information Technology (IT) has significantly transformed various aspects of society, including governance and policy-making. IT has the potential to promote the involvement of citizens who are affected by policies in the policy-making process, providing them with a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to informed decision-making. This paper aims to explore the ways in which IT facilitates citizen participation in policy-making. By examining specific examples, we can elucidate the impact and efficacy of IT in fostering democratic engagement and ensuring the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

Promoting Access to Information:
One of the key ways in which IT facilitates citizen involvement in policy-making is by promoting access to information. Through online portals, government websites, and social media platforms, citizens can access policy documents, reports, and relevant data. This easy accessibility helps citizens to understand the nuances of policies and their implications, thereby enabling them to actively participate in discussions and debates.

For instance, the Open Government Initiative in the United States utilizes IT tools to provide public access to government information online. Websites like Data.gov and Regulations.gov allow citizens to access a wide range of data sets and proposed regulations, respectively. This empowers individuals and organizations to review, comment, and make suggestions on policies, fostering a transparent and inclusive policy-making process.

Enhancing Public Consultations and Feedback Mechanisms:
IT also enhances public consultations and feedback mechanisms, which are crucial for engaging citizens in the policy-making process. Digital platforms enable governments to reach out to a larger and diverse audience, soliciting their input and opinions on policy matters. Online surveys, public forums, and interactive websites serve as virtual spaces for citizens to express their views and contribute to policy development.

Take, for example, the e-Petitions system in the United Kingdom. This online platform allows citizens to create or sign petitions on issues they care about, and if a petition receives a significant number of signatures, it is considered for debate in the Parliament. By leveraging IT, the e-Petitions system has expanded the reach and impact of citizen participation, enabling a broader range of voices to be heard in the policy-making process.

Facilitating Collaboration and Co-Creation:
Information Technology also facilitates collaboration and co-creation between citizens and policymakers. Online platforms, such as wikis or collaborative document editing tools, provide opportunities for citizens to collaborate with policymakers in drafting policy proposals, conducting research, or evaluating the impact of existing policies.

For instance, the “Your Voice, Your Kyoto” project in Japan utilized an online platform to engage citizens in the development of Kyoto’s environmental policies. Through a collaborative wiki, citizens and policymakers collaborated to generate innovative ideas and suggestions, resulting in a more inclusive and citizen-centered policy-making process.

Conclusion:
Information Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting citizen involvement in policy-making. Through the enhancement of access to information, the facilitation of public consultations and feedback mechanisms, and the fostering of collaboration and co-creation, IT empowers citizens to actively participate and contribute to policy development. To ensure the effectiveness of IT in promoting citizen engagement, governments should continue to invest in technological infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster inclusive digital environments.