Iceland Celebrates Crowdsourced Constitution

Congratulations to the citizens and government of Iceland for successfully drafting a Constitution via the use of social media.

A group of 25 citizens presented a draft of the constitution to Iceland’s parliament. The group, which is made up of ordinary residents, compiled the document online with the help of hundreds of others. The constitution council posted the first draft in April on its website and then let citizens comment via a Facebook Page. The council members are also active on Twitter, post videos of themselves on YouTube and put pictures on Flickr.  (via Mashable - http://mashable.com/2011/07/29/iceland-crowdsourced-constitution/)

You can check it out Iceland’s crowdsourced constitution here: http://stjornlagarad.is/starfid/frumvarp/

Iceland Crowdsources Next Constitution

We wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to the people of Iceland the their recent initiative to crowdsource the next constitution.  Utilizing the power of technology and social media, the council is providing an opportunity for the citizens to be part of the process by providing feedback on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and various government sites. (Hey, maybe you guys should use MyGov365… We can set up a custom version for your country.  Hint, hint, wink, wink…)

Interesting fun fact, Iceland’s existing constitution was created in 1944, when the country gained independence from Denmark. The document had no input from its people — it simply took the Danish constitution and made a few minor changes, such as replacing “king” with “president.”  (Source - WashingtonPost)

Check out Iceland’s various websites and profiles.  Use Chrome so you can click the nifty translate button.

• http://stjornlagarad.is/
• http://www.facebook.com/Stjornlagarad
• http://www.youtube.com/stjornlagarad

Here is an interesting excerpt from the draft of the constitution concerning Democratic Public Participation.  Keep in mind this was translated through Google.

An appeal to the nation

Now Parliament has passed a bill and then a third of MPs may decide within three days to propose a vote of all people electorate for approval or rejection.

Before five days have passed since this complaint was made to Parliament by a majority vote that the bill will be waived.

The referendum must take place within one year of its provisions. If the bill approved in a referendum shall be certified by the President within three days of confirmation gives the force of law.

Law that parliament approved shall be submitted to referendum for approval or rejection, if fifteen percent of voters required within three months of their adoption. The law will expire, if rejected, but otherwise retain their force. Parliament may, however, the majority decided to cancel the law repealed before þjóðaratkvæðis coming.

Indiana and Michigan

Nope… we’re not talking about the classic 1979 college basketball championship game between Michigan and Indiana State.  However, we are very proud to announce that we have added Indiana and Michigan state legislative data to our platform.

With these two additions, we now have a total of 24 legislatures - Congress, 22 States and the District of Columbia (DC).  

• Federal
• District of Columbia
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

MyGov365 is the premier civic engagement platform online empowering citizens, organizations and elected officials with innovative tools to communicate and collaborate.  

We are continually working hard each day to bring you more civic data and tools that keeps you informed and allows you to be an influential part of the decision making process.  This is just the beginning.  Stay tuned and stay engaged.

Don’t forget to tell all your friends, family and colleagues about MyGov365.  Invite them now.

Special Thanks to Visible Ink Press

We would like to send a big THANKS to Visible Ink Press for being part of our Week of Surprises by providing copies of The Handy Politics Answer Book to give away to some of our winners.  Thank you for being a special part of our festivities.

If you don’t have a copy, get one here.
http://www.visibleinkpress.com/t24/The-Handy-Politics-Answer-Book

“This reference is a meaningful addition to the educational tools [for] students as well as general political observers and voters who want to better understand the issues of the day.” American Reference Books

“…this easy-to-navigate book removes complexity from a serious subject: government.” Tampa Tribune & Times

In these politically charged times, interest in the political process is peaking.  From the national election debacle in Florida to 9/11 to environmental conflict to unrest in the Middle East and South America, the political landscape has become one of great importance. Pundits declare that the midterm 2002 election looks to be among the most critical in American history. Enormous decisions must be made at a time when the world seems to be teetering on the edge of chaos. Ever timely, The Handy Politics Answer Bookserves up 700 pages and 1,200 questions and answers for the common man, woman, or child on the basic nuts and bolts of our government and political history. Interesting, enlightening, and, most importantly, empowering, Handy Politics is sure to become a favorite on any bookshelf. And the pages are sure to become more dog-eared than President Nixon’s legacy. 

The Handy Politics Answer Book dares to ask the tough questions (not like the ones reporters lob at incumbents) and answers every one thoroughly and clearly (without the usual political side-stepping and spin tactics). Fifteen chapters explore politics from our founding fathers to current trends, from our branches of government to how they work together (or don’t), from noteworthy people and officials to major events. Written in clear, concise language, Handy Politics is easier to understand than a ballot in western Florida. 

Handy Politics is just the book wannabe politicians (and everyone else) can consult to obtain a solid understanding on such things as “Why were Medicare and Medicaid created?” “What are civil liberties?” “What is due process of law?” “What is NAFTA?” (Contrary to what that big-eared egomaniac says, it’s not a large sucking sound.) “What is the United Nations?” Then there are the questions you always wanted to know, like, “What is considered the dirtiest presidential campaign on record?” And, “If the president has a job description, what is it?” Great questions for parties, but everyone knows you’re not supposed to talk politics at social gatherings. That’s why this book exists. We just wish we published it before that election in Minnesota.