What does research say about ethical representation?

What is ethical representation?
Why is it important?

Ethical representation refers to the idea that political actors—including parties and elected officials—not only represent constituents’ interests but do so in a manner that aligns with widely held moral and ethical standards. This includes values such as honesty, fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic norms. Ethical representation is more than procedural correctness; it encompasses the moral legitimacy of those in power and their perceived fidelity to the public good. In democratic societies, ethical representation is a cornerstone of political legitimacy. When voters perceive that their representatives uphold ethical standards, trust in institutions is strengthened, compliance with laws increases, and democratic norms are more likely to be sustained.

Research in political science and psychology shows that citizens care deeply about the values embodied by political actors, even beyond policy preferences or ideological alignment. Voters evaluate parties and candidates not only on outcomes but on perceived integrity, benevolence, and fairness—traits that form the foundation of institutional trust. These evaluations shape voter engagement, political efficacy, and turnout. When ethical values are absent or violated, democratic erosion can occur, especially if citizens feel their moral expectations are unmet.

Ethical representation is also tied to the goals of sustainable development, particularly under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Strong, inclusive, and accountable institutions depend on more than efficiency—they rely on public belief in the ethical legitimacy of governance. When political systems reflect citizens’ values and act transparently, they support civic participation, reduce corruption, and enhance long-term stability. In this way, ethical representation is not only a normative ideal but a practical requirement for resilient democracies and sustainable social systems.

What values do people in democratic nations want their political parties to imbue and represent?

Integrity

Integrity means acting consistently with one’s principles and telling the truth, even when it's inconvenient. In a democracy, people expect their political representatives to follow through on promises and live up to the values they claim to hold. Without integrity, public trust quickly erodes.

Benevolence

Benevolence reflects care, compassion, and a commitment to serving the public rather than personal or partisan interests. Citizens expect those in power to act in the best interest of society, especially for vulnerable or underserved groups. When benevolence is lacking, politics can feel distant and self-serving.

Accountability

Accountability means being answerable for decisions and willing to admit mistakes. Democratic systems rely on the idea that leaders serve the people and must face consequences if they fall short. When accountability is strong, citizens feel empowered to demand better.

Legitimacy

Legitimacy is the belief that those in power deserve their authority and represent the people fairly. It’s not just about winning elections — it’s about earning public trust through ethical, democratic leadership. Without legitimacy, political systems struggle to function effectively or peacefully.

Competence

Competence is the ability to get things done — to design effective policies, manage resources, and solve problems. In democratic societies, voters want leaders who can deliver real results and meet the needs of diverse communities. Good intentions matter, but capable execution is essential.

Transparency

Transparency is about openness — making decisions visible, explaining them clearly, and sharing information honestly. In a democracy, people have a right to know how decisions are made and why. Transparency builds public confidence and helps prevent corruption or manipulation.

Procedural Fairness

Procedural fairness ensures that rules are applied equally, decisions are made impartially, and everyone is treated with respect. In a diverse democracy, fairness is the foundation of legitimacy — it reassures people that the system is not biased or rigged. Fair processes create faith in just outcomes.

Select academic references and resources

Bovens, M., & Wille, A. (2010). The education gap in participation and its political consequences. Acta Politica, 45(4), 393–422.

Chan, E. Y. (2017). Exposure to the American flag polarizes Democratic–Republican ideologies. British Journal of Social Psychology, 56(4), 809–818.

Chan, E. Y. (2019). Social (not fiscal) conservatism predicts deontological ethics. Acta Psychologica, 198, 102867.

Chan, E. Y. (2021). Moral foundations underlying behavioral compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality and Individual Differences, 171, 110463.

Chan, E. Y., & Faria, A. A. (2022). Political ideology and climate change-mitigating behaviors: Insights from fixed world beliefs. Global Environmental Change, 72, 102440.

Chan, E. Y., & Ilicic, J. (2019). Political ideology and brand attachment. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 36(4), 630–646.

Dalton, R. J. (2008). Citizenship norms and the expansion of political participation. Political Studies, 56(1), 76–98.

Easton, D. (1975). A re-assessment of the concept of political support. British Journal of Political Science, 5(4), 435–457.

Gohary, A., Madani, F., Chan, E. Y., & Tavallaei, S. (2022). Political ideology and fair-trade consumption: A social dominance orientation perspective. Journal of Business Research, 156, 113448.

Graham, J., Haidt, J., & Nosek, B. A. (2009). Liberals and conservatives rely on different sets of moral foundations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(5), 1029–1046.

Miller, A. H., & Listhaug, O. (1999). Political performance and institutional trust. In P. Norris (Ed.), Critical citizens: Global support for democratic governance (pp. 204–216). Oxford University Press.

Norris, P. (2011). Democratic deficit: Critical citizens revisited. Cambridge University Press.

Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An overview of the Schwartz theory of basic values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1), Article 11.

Tyler, T. R. (2006). Why people obey the law (2nd ed.). Princeton University Press.

Warren, M. E. (2006). What should we expect from more democracy? Political Theory, 33(2), 253–277.