POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Citizenship
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States vary slightly by citizenship status, but the Democratic Party maintains a clear ethical advantage over the Republican Party among both citizens and non-citizens. Among non-citizens, the Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 3.10, compared to just 2.44 for the Republican Party—a notable 0.67-point difference. This suggests that non-citizens view the Democrats as substantially more ethically aligned with democratic values.
U.S. citizens also rate the Democratic Party higher, assigning it a POLIS score of 2.92 versus 2.45 for the Republican Party. While the gap is slightly narrower (0.47 points), the pattern remains consistent: regardless of citizenship, Americans and residents alike perceive the Democratic Party as more trustworthy, fair, and responsible.
Interestingly, non-citizens rate both parties slightly higher or nearly the same as citizens do. The Democratic Party receives a modest bump (+0.18), while the Republican Party’s score remains virtually unchanged. This may reflect optimism or differing standards of ethical expectations among individuals outside the formal political system.
The Republican Party’s relatively flat scores across both groups suggest a stable but lower base of ethical support, whereas the Democratic Party’s higher scores—especially among non-citizens—point to broader trust in its values of inclusion, legitimacy, and fairness.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that both citizens and non-citizens view the Democratic Party as more ethically credible than the Republican Party. The particularly strong support from non-citizens highlights the party’s perceived alignment with values that matter not only to voters, but to those observing American politics from the margins of formal political participation.
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.