Ideologies and belief systems provide guidance for human decisions through rules and recommendations. However, this guidance can be both “good” and “bad”. This chapter emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of ideological guidance based on normative principles, the quality of information, and the functionality of the proposed instruments. The authors discuss normative foundations for “good” ideological guidance based on human sovereignty, dignity, and equality of rights. Furthermore, a well-functioning information system based on a shared factual reality and protected from manipulation is essential for informed decision-making in democracies. The deception problem in the information system and the instrument problem in implementation highlight the dangers of ideological narratives that disguise their true goals or are based on ineffective or even harmful measures. In addition to examining the values and goals that an ideology represents, an evidence-based assessment of ideologies and their instruments is crucial to ensure “good governance” and to avoid negative social impacts.