Platform as a service (paas) featuring computer software platforms for use in connection with social media, civic engagement solutions and other consumer-facing technology platforms for the purpose of providing a conduit for current elected officials and candidates for elected office to (i) monitor the activities, actions and positions of other government representatives and citizens on legislative matters, representative performance and general public opinion in real-time and as customized by the user; (ii) conduct polls, crowd source ideas, and secure contributions for campaigns ; (iii) easily obtain pertinent, factual information regarding political or legislative issues of interest; (iv) establish a more robust mechanism for representative-constituent communication; (v) access transparent data and analytics regarding the mindset and interest of constituents; (vi) facilitate communities centered on issues of importance; (vii) conduct virtual town halls; and (viii) manage the overall operations of their office