Understanding Hackers and Civic Hacking

The video discusses the concept of hackers, challenging the negative stereotype by highlighting their potential for good. It introduces civic hacking as a democratic activity that encourages citizen participation in solving government problems. Through examples from Honolulu, Oakland, and Mexico City, the video illustrates how civic hacking can empower citizens and improve government services. It concludes with a call to action for viewers to join the global civic hacking movement.

What is a common misconception about hackers?

• They are all inventors.

• They are all government officials.

• They are all criminals.

• They are all environmentalists.

Why is Benjamin Franklin considered a hacker?

• He invented the internet.

• He was a famous politician.

• He believed in free access to knowledge.

• He filed many patents.

What values are shared between a healthy democracy and the internet?

• Profit and competition

• Isolation and independence

• Collaboration and empowerment

• Secrecy and control

What is a key aspect of civic hacking?

• It involves using modern tools to solve government problems.

• It is limited to the United States.

• Only programmers can participate.

• It requires a large budget.

What innovative approach did the Honolulu team use to gather website content?

• They held a write-a-thon with citizens.

• They used artificial intelligence.

• They outsourced to another country.

• They hired a large team of writers.

What was the outcome of the civic hacking challenge in Mexico City?

• The contract was vacated and multiple apps were created.

• Only one app was submitted.

• The original contract was upheld.

• The government ignored the challenge.

How did the Oakland team adapt the Honolulu Answers project?

• They used the same code base to create Oakland Answers.

• They hired a professional company to develop it.

• They created a new app from scratch.

• They abandoned the project.

What is the main goal of civic hacking initiatives?

• To replace government officials.

• To empower citizens to solve local problems.

• To increase government spending.

• To create a global network of hackers.

What was one of Benjamin Franklin's lesser-known accomplishments?

• Writing the Declaration of Independence

• Inventing the telephone

• Founding the first volunteer firefighting company

• Creating the first computer

What is the purpose of Code for America's brigades?

• To organize protests

• To develop commercial software

• To create a network of civic hackers

• To replace local governments