POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Children in Household
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States differ based on whether respondents have children in their household. Among those with one or more children, the Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.97, while the Republican Party scores 2.60. Among those with no children, the Democratic Party scores slightly lower at 2.90, and the Republican Party also drops to 2.39. Across both groups, the Democratic Party is perceived more ethically favourably than the Republican Party.
For respondents with children, the Democratic Party's higher POLIS score suggests strong alignment with values such as fairness, benevolence, and institutional trust. These individuals may prioritize leadership that reflects values of care, responsibility, and future-oriented governance—qualities they appear to associate more strongly with the Democrats.
The Republican Party’s lower POLIS scores—2.60 among parents and 2.39 among non-parents—indicate a more skeptical view of the party’s ethical alignment, particularly in areas such as transparency or procedural fairness. While parents are more supportive than non-parents, the gap between the parties remains consistent across both groups.
Notably, having children seems to raise ethical evaluations for both parties, though more so for Republicans (+0.22 points) than Democrats (+0.07 points). This suggests that parenthood may increase sensitivity to values-based political leadership or amplify certain party-specific appeals related to family or social structure.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that Americans with children are more trusting of both major political parties, but continue to favour the Democratic Party by a clear margin. The findings underscore that family dynamics and caregiving responsibilities may shape how voters assess the ethical alignment of political organizations.
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.