The renowned political scholars who contribute to this volume outline both the theory and practice of so-called 'extra-formal democracy,' wherein societal governance is more accurately described as a 'network activity' and citizens, politicians, public administrators and other professionals act together on issues or problems that are defined as public. This new and complex form of democracy-explored here in three unique settings: the United States, the Netherlands, and Demark-is increasingly regarded as an achievable vision for a multi-faceted theory of government.