I’d like to know whether the government, NGOs and others are doing a sufficient job explaining the rights and responsibilities of citizens. I’ve been informally reviewing the explanatory guides designed to make congressional information more accessible, but I’m struck at the overall lack of another type of explanation.

While I’m happy to focus primarily on information availability, and the empowerment that comes along with understanding what exactly is knowable, another precondition for civic empowerment is understanding one’s rights and responsibilities under the law.

For example, if I blog or otherwise engage in citizen journalism, and would like to record an event, where can I turn for confidence about what I’m doing? When can I record phone conversations, and what constitutes an “off the record” conversation?

How does one determine when to start a business, or a non-profit, or even locate government services dedicated to answering these questions?

Government information’s design reflects its institutional purpose, and is by no means centered around the needs of the end user, those about whom the law is written.

I’m wondering what the user’s role is for the design of future government information, and whether the government should play a role in building explanatory aids.

Do most criminals evaluate the nuanced legal consequences when negotiating an illegal situation? Do potential whistleblowers within the government or private sectors know what options are available to them?

It seems to me that these questions should weigh heavily on those creating government information portals like usa.gov, and explanatory aids from advocacy organizations. What should we as citizens be confident of, but generally are not?

Most relevant to the Sunlight Foundation would probably be “How can I most effectively understand, watch, and affect Congress?”