This report provides an important and timely analysis of the long-term challenges for democratic institution building and good governance facing the Palestinian Authority. This primary systematic assessment of existing Palestinian institutions, their structure and procedures, their ability to set priorities and to allocate resources, and their transparency and accountability, has significant implications for democratic institution building. The report builds on studies, interviews, and fieldwork of a team of over two dozen Palestinian and international experts.The report examines constitutional relationships between executive, legislative, and judicial branches and various operating institutions, including the security agencies and the ministries of finance, social affairs, and education, and evaluates them in terms of their accountability, framework for legal review, participation of civil society, and efficiency.The Independent Task Force, composed of 16 distinguished leaders from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, has reviewed the initial findings of the experts and produced a definitive set of recommendations for strengthening Palestinian institutions. The report provides an honest and accurate description of the accomplishments and shortcomings of the Palestinian Authority and its institutions and what is necessary to improve them.