How Citizens Interact with Th eir Government and Why We Care

Given the potential advantages and pitfalls associated with citizen participation in govern-ing decisions, this is an increasingly important area for academic research and one that is equally im-portant for practitioners to understand. Not only does research in this fi eld teach us if, when, and how citizens attempt to infl uence their government through direct participation, but also we come to understand the eff ects, both positive and negative, of such involvement. What we do know about citizen participation raises important questions. First, how has citizen participa-tion in governance been viewed historically? Next, do citizens actually choose to participate in governing, and who are these citizens? Th ird, how do they choose to participate, if they do? Fourth, does any of this participation actually matter to governance, and if so, how? Finally, is this picture of involvemen