The homogenization and isolation of the American citizen: Liberalism's affect on civil society and how modern technology can re-introduce republicanism

The purpose of this analysis was to examine the American decline in social capital in relation to liberalism and republicanism theory. Early colonial civil society was heavily influenced by classic republican principles of local self-government and community association. In designing the U.S. Constitution, the framers strategically gave liberalism theory more priority compared to the republican centered Articles of Confederation.;The contemporary need for republicanism is not to replace liberalism but rather to restore the republicanism that has been lost due to the predominance of liberalism. This analysis concludes that technology is likely the most practical way to re-introduce individuals to citizenship. Information technology is primary used as a geographically anonymous tool. A portal could be created giving everyone a unique identification based on his or her specific geographic location. Using advanced Internet technology such as voice and video communication systems; neighbors could use the portal to attend community-based meetings for government and non-government organizations. Ultimately, the portal could serve as a virtual town hall leading to more civic participation and a more healthy democracy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).