Changes in lifestyles and technology have confronted modern American democracy with significant challenges. Traditional geographic ties to communities and elected officials have been disrupted by physical mobility. Democracy depends on active citizen involvement, which requires information. New technologies have changed the way individuals gather, use, and distribute information. The traditional bases of community and collective knowledge that motivate and facilitate political involvement are under unintentional assault. Citizens and political practitioners alike need to recognize these challenges and find ways to overcome them in a manner supportive of democracy.