Prepared by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), this document is intended as a basis for discussion within the international community regarding standards for the functioning of democratic legislatures. Just as there is no single, international body that certifies the democratic nature of a given electoral process, there can be no one arbiter of whether a legislature functions properly. It is hoped, however, that, through the discussion of standards, an international consensus on the functioning of democratic legislatures will emerge, thereby helping legislatures become more open, independent, accountable and responsive.