"Nearly all men can withstand adversity; If you want to test a man’s character, give him power."

- Abraham Lincoln

• • Is education required by the government?
  • How much?
• • Does the government provide education?
  • How much?
• • Who sends their children to government schools?
  • Private schools?
• • Are political or religious views taught in schools?

• • What kind of homes do government officials live in?
• • Where are government officials from?
• • Who do government officials socialize with?
• • Do government officials vacation?
  • Where?

• • Who is the governmental leader?
  • What is the governmental leader’s title?
  • What does he/she do?
• • Who is involved in political affairs?
  • Men, women, wealthy, poor, elderly?
• • How are decisions made?
  • By whom?
• • How is the structure viewed internationally?
• • How frequently has leadership changed recently?
  • Why does the change occur?

• • What utilities does the government control or regulate?
• • How well does the government provide these utilities?
• • How much do government utilities cost?
• • Do government utilities employ many people?

• • When was the current government founded?
• • How has their government changed over time?
• • Which of the political leaders (Past and present) are most famous?
  • Why?
• • How have political views changed in their country?

• • What activities are affected by holidays?
  • Schools, businesses closed?
• • Are there local holidays?
  • What do they celebrate?
• • Are there national holidays?
  • How and why are they celebrated?

• • What is the structure/hierarchy of the judicial system?
• • How does someone become a judge?
• • Is there an appeals process?
  • How does it work?
• • What are a person’s rights in court?
• • Is the judicial system considered just?

• • Who makes the laws?
  • What is the lawmaking procedure?
• • How are laws enforced?
  • Who enforces them?
• • How do people view law enforcement?
• • Who does law enforcement affect?
• • What effect do laws and regulations have on the economy?

• • How do people become involved in the military?
  • Mandatory, voluntary?
• • How strong is international defense?
• • What is the relationship with military allies?
  • What is this relationship based on?
• • What enemies exist?
  • Why are they considered enemies?
• • Is national defense a daily concern for people?

• • What is considered a crime?
• • What are the different punishments for these crimes?
• • Does capital punishment exist?
  • In what forms?
• • Where are criminals kept?
  • Is there overcrowding?
• • How are criminals treated before, during and after their punishment?

• • Are people allowed to voice their opinions?
• • Does the government formally or consistently listen to the people?
  • In what way?
  • Voting, petitions, meetings?
• • What groups have the largest influences?
• • What percentage of jobs are associated with the government?
  • How are government jobs viewed?

• • Are there religious advisors to the government?
  • Who are they?
• • Do people know the religion of government officials?
  • What are the consequences?
  • Power limitations, electability?
• • Do political ceremonies or meetings start with a prayer?
• • Have religious groups issued statements for or against government policies?

• • Are there taxes?
  • Who is taxed?
  • What is taxed?
• • Is there health care?
  • How does it work?
• • Does the government provide for the elderly in any way?
• • Does the government help the poor?
  • How?

• • What military engagements are the people involved in?
  • Which have they been involved in?
• • Why have the people gone to war?
  • What consequences has it brought?
• • Are there treaties with other countries?
  • With whom?
  • In what form?
• • What are the reasons for treaties?
  • Religion, strategic advantage, trade, forced?
• • Are international organizations involved as mediators?