Are democratic institutions and practices robust?

• Is political participation free of barriers?
• Are the media independent?
• Are civil rights and political liberties protected?
• Do state powers check and balance one another?

Democracy

Do economic policies address globalization challenges?

• Is there a reliable economic framework in place?
• Is unemployment effectively addressed?
• Does enterprise policy foster innovation?
• Are taxes and budgets sustainable?

Economy/Employment

Do social policies facilitate an equal and fair society?

• Is health care reform underway?
• Do policies prevent poverty?
• Are pension systems sustainable?
• Is integration actively supported?

Social affairs

Does security policy protect citizens?

• Is the national interest safeguarded?
• Are policies embedded in intl. alliances?
• Are counterterrorism structures in place?
• Are citizens protected against crime?

Security

Do policies address issues of sustainability?

• Do policies preserve resources?
• Is climate change taken into consideration?
• Is R&D support adequate?
• Are education policies successful?

Resources

Does the government have strong steering capabilities?

• Is strategic capacity well developed?
• Are there effective means of inter-ministerial coordination?
• Are RIAs applied?
• Is policy communication effective?

Steering capability

Does the government implement policies effectively?

• Are policy objectives achieved?
• Is ministerial compliance assured?
• Are line ministries and agencies monitored?
• Do subnational governments meet national standards?

Policy implementation

Does the government adapt to internal and external developments?

• Does the government learn from intl. developments?
• Does the government participate in joint reform iniatives?
• Does the government monitor itself?
• Does the government adapt its institutions?

Institutional learning

Are non-governmental actors involved in policy-making?

• Are citizens active participants in policy-making?
• Are legislatures equipped to check the executive?
• Do the media provide in-depth information?
• Do interest associations check on government activity?

Accountability