Parliaments are constantly being assessed by outsiders – the media, academics, intergovernmental agencies, civil society – and this practice is growing.  In 2006, the CPA therefore developed "Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures" so Parliaments and Legislatures can undertake their own self-assessments based on a Commonwealth standard developed by Members and parliamentary officials, a standard specifically designed to help Parliaments identify possible new ways to function as effectively as possible.