We show that the Bernstein polynomial basis on a given interval is ''o
ptimally stable'' in the sense that no other nonnegative basis yields
systematically smaller condition numbers for the values or roots of ar
bitrary polynomials on that interval. This result follows from a parti
al ordering of the set of all nonnegative bases that is induced by non
negative basis transformations. We further show, by means of some low-
degree examples, that the Bernstein form is not uniquely optimal in th
is respect. However, it is the only optimally stable basis whose eleme
nts have no roots on the interior of the chosen interval. These ideas
are illustrated by comparing the stability properties of the power, Be
rnstein, and generalized Ball bases.