A normative approach to democracy in the electronic government framework

The process of modernization in the public administrations is considered to be the result of the implementation of computer science applications and digital technologies in the Public Administration (PA) for achieving institutional functions. The so called “electronic government” is one of the key objectives laid out in DG Information Society's i2010 Action plan, in which Europe aims to bring administrations closer to citizens, for example by providing on line public services. In this scenario of changing of means and goals, the electronic dialogue between agents – i.e. Public Administrations, citizens and enterprises – represents the key element for the development of the public sector. But e-government is neither a simple tool to provide better services in a better way by PA. to citizens nor a simple question of downsizing the administration (the back office) and up-sizing services (the front-office) – i.e. a rebalancing from administration to services on a planned and sensible basis. Modern democracies are facing new challenges through the communication and information technology. The expression “electronic democracy” is characterized by the modality of citizens direct participation in the political life. In truth, this expression evokes wider and universal values.