However, a state’s electoral system cannot be viewed in isolation. It must be seen in the context of the constitutional, legal and political traditions of the state, the party system, and territorial structure. Therefore, when assessing an electoral system, or proposed changes, the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR place it within a specific context. The perception that the chosen system works well in one state does not necessarily mean that it can be successfully replicated in another. The manner in which power is spread across the three branches of government and the role of political parties makes such replication deceptive as the change of environment will give rise to unexpected consequences. There may be checks and balances, including unwritten ones, which allow a system to function well in one state, but those checks and balances may be impossible to transfer. Furthermore, the economic realities of party or campaign funding can distort an otherwise competitive electoral environment. Finally, the failure to respect the distinction between state and party can undermine an electoral system which may appear well designed in theory compared to the reality.