Visit the following Web site for some insights into how freedom is measured in countries around the world.:

The Heritage Foundation produces an Index of Economic Freedom. The goal of this ranking is to provide an empirical measure for policymakers so that they may study the impact of economic freedom on the development of democracy throughout the world.

How do you feel about the rankings? Are they legitimate? Will they have any impact on developing democratic ideas and ideals? Express your opinion in the space provided below.

1		On what basis is the Index constructed? Do you think the methodology used in the Heritage Foundation study is legitimate and viable? Why or why not?
2		In assigning the Index categories, how is the concept of “freedom” defined? What importance do you believe countries place on their ranking? Is the ranking itself an incentive to move (or stay) in the direction of freedom? Explain your position.