Comments from several U.S. Senators and Representatives who participated in the project summarize their personal evaluations of the usefulness of satellite videoconferencing with two-way interactive television in providing a new mechanism for informed dialogue between congressmen and constituents. The new technology is described in answers to the…

This evaluative study investigated through actual demonstrations the effectiveness of satellite videoconferencing in providing a new mechanism for informed dialogue between congressmen and constituents, thus strengthening the legislative process. In this experiment, the use of NASA's portable earth terminal was instrumental in making satellite…

The value of satellite videoconferencing in providing a new mechanism for informed dialogue between congressmen and constituents is evaluated through actual demonstrations. The experimental demonstrations described include large and small group congressional-constituent meetings in urban and rural areas, and a congressional subcommittee hearing…

Communication between Congressmen and their constituents could be improved by the use of advanced telecommunications. Interviews with representatives and senior staff from a sample of 40 House offices show concern that the current communication systems are either too narrow--letters, telephone calls, physical conferences--or too broad--television,…