POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Marital Status
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States vary across marital status, but the Democratic Party is consistently rated more ethically trustworthy than the Republican Party. Among those who are separated, divorced, or widowed, the Democratic Party receives the highest POLIS score at 3.03, compared to 2.40 for the Republican Party—a gap of 0.63 points. This group appears especially aligned with the ethical values perceived in Democratic leadership.
Single respondents also show strong preference for the Democratic Party, giving it a POLIS score of 2.99 versus 2.26 for the Republican Party. This 0.73-point gap is the largest across marital categories, suggesting that unmarried individuals are particularly critical of the Republican Party’s ethical alignment and more supportive of Democratic values such as fairness, accountability, and inclusion.
Among married individuals, the gap narrows but remains present. The Democratic Party scores 2.81, while the Republican Party earns 2.66. This smaller difference (0.15 points) suggests more balanced views among married Americans, potentially reflecting more diverse political affiliations or differing value priorities related to family and stability.
The consistent favourability toward the Democratic Party—across all marital groups—underscores its broader perception as a party more aligned with democratic ethical principles. However, the extent of that perception appears to vary based on relational status, with the strongest support coming from those not currently married.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a clear marital status effect in ethical evaluations of political parties. The Democratic Party holds an ethical credibility advantage across all groups, but especially among singles and those separated, divorced, or widowed—highlighting how life experiences and social structures shape trust in political leadership.
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.