TED: Demand a more open-source government | Beth Noveck

The transcript discusses the evolution of open government, contrasting historical openness with modern challenges. It highlights the complexity of governance and the potential of networks and social media to foster innovation and collaboration. The text explores new governance models, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the economic benefits of open government. It concludes with a call to action for a revolution in governance, advocating for participatory and transparent institutions.

What was the state of the White House at the start of the Obama administration?

• It was closed and had bomb blast curtains.

• It was a hub for social media activities.

• It was under renovation.

• It was open to the public.

What are the three key values emphasized in open government?

• Security, hierarchy, and tradition

• Innovation, speed, and privacy

• Transparency, participation, and collaboration

• Efficiency, secrecy, and control

What is a major limitation of traditional government institutions according to the transcript?

• They are overly reliant on technology.

• They lack the ability to handle complexity.

• They focus too much on public opinion.

• They are too decentralized.

How does the concept of 'flow' relate to social systems?

• It describes the movement of water in rivers.

• It is a metaphor for channeling values and expertise.

• It is a term used in financial markets.

• It refers to the flow of electricity in circuits.

What is a key feature of networks like Twitter that can inspire new governance models?

• Their hierarchical structure.

• Their focus on entertainment.

• Their open platform allowing new applications.

• Their ability to restrict information.

What is an example of a low-tech initiative mentioned in the transcript?

• A hackathon in Silicon Valley

• A crisis mapping website in Kenya

• Painting spending data on village walls in India

• A social media campaign in the UK

What is the purpose of participatory budgeting as practiced in Porto Alegre, Brazil?

• To increase government revenue

• To involve citizens in decision-making

• To privatize public services

• To reduce government spending

What is a significant benefit of open government data according to the transcript?

• It reduces the need for public participation.

• It allows for the creation of innovative applications.

• It limits the role of private companies.

• It increases government secrecy.

What is the first phase of the open government revolution?

• Eliminating all government regulations

• Delivering better information from the crowd

• Centralizing decision-making power

• Privatizing public services

What is the ultimate goal of the open government movement as described in the transcript?

• To limit public engagement

• To build a stronger democracy

• To establish a read-only culture

• To create a passive society