POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Gender
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States differ across gender identities, but the Democratic Party is consistently rated more favourably than the Republican Party. Among men, the Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.83, while the Republican Party scores 2.48. Although men are somewhat divided, the Democratic Party holds a clear ethical credibility edge.
Among women, the difference is even more pronounced. Women assign the Democratic Party a POLIS score of 3.01—the highest among all gender groups—compared to just 2.43 for the Republican Party. This 0.59-point gap suggests that women perceive stronger alignment between the Democratic Party and values such as fairness, accountability, and benevolence.
Respondents identifying as “Other” in gender provide the lowest overall scores, but the Democratic Party remains more favourably evaluated than the Republican Party. The Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.76 from this group, while the Republican Party is rated far lower at 1.80—a gap of nearly 1 point. This reflects substantial ethical skepticism toward Republican leadership among gender-diverse individuals.
The trend is consistent across all three gender groups: the Democratic Party is perceived as more ethically trustworthy than the Republican Party, though the size of the gap varies. Gender-diverse respondents express the greatest disparity in party evaluations, while men show the smallest.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a gender-based divide in ethical trust toward political parties, with women and gender-diverse individuals expressing stronger support for the Democratic Party’s values. These findings underscore the role of gender in shaping how Americans evaluate the moral and ethical credibility 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.