POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Ethnicity
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States differ modestly by ethnicity, though the Democratic Party is rated higher than the Republican Party by both Hispanic and non-Hispanic respondents. Among Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin respondents, the Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.93, compared to 2.55 for the Republican Party—a gap of 0.38 points.
Among those who do not identify as Hispanic, the pattern is similar but the difference slightly widens. The Democratic Party is rated at 2.99 by non-Hispanic respondents, while the Republican Party scores 2.47. This 0.52-point gap indicates that although both groups show a preference for the Democratic Party, non-Hispanic individuals are somewhat more polarized in their ethical evaluations.
The relatively strong performance of the Democratic Party among Hispanic respondents suggests that this group sees stronger value alignment with principles such as fairness, inclusion, and benevolence—values often emphasized in the party’s public messaging. The Republican Party’s lower rating may reflect perceptions tied to immigration policy or institutional accountability.
Non-Hispanic respondents, while showing even stronger favourability toward Democrats, also express a sharper critique of the Republican Party. The lower POLIS score for Republicans in this group may reflect broader concerns about ethical leadership, transparency, or legitimacy, particularly among more moderate or independent voters.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that the Democratic Party is perceived as more ethically credible than the Republican Party among both Hispanic and non-Hispanic Americans. The consistency of this pattern underscores the importance of perceived values-based leadership in shaping political party trust across diverse ethnic lines.
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.