( -guv &rn-ment) (n.) A generic term that refers to any government functions or processes that are carried out in digital form over the Internet. Local, state and federal governments essentially set up central Web sites from which the public (both private citizens and businesses) can find public information, download government forms and contact government representatives. For example, there are many states within the U.S. that offer on-line filing of state income taxes every year, which reduces the amount of paperwork, streamlines the process and speeds the amount of time that taxes are filed.
E-government also refers to the standard processes that different government agencies use in order to communicate with each other and streamline processes.
