POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Race
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States differ markedly by racial group. Across all groups, the Democratic Party is rated more ethically credible than the Republican Party, with the largest gaps evident among Black and Asian respondents. Black Americans give the Democratic Party a POLIS score of 3.21 and the Republican Party a much lower 2.31—nearly a full point difference. Similarly, Asian Americans rate the Democrats at 3.00 compared to just 2.16 for Republicans.
White respondents also favour the Democratic Party, though by a smaller margin. They assign the Democrats a POLIS score of 2.89, compared to 2.49 for the Republicans. This 0.40-point difference, while still meaningful, reflects a closer ethical race between the two parties in a group that has historically been more evenly divided in partisan support.
Among Native American/Alaska Native respondents, the Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.89, while the Republican Party receives 2.57. These scores suggest moderate ethical trust in both parties, but with a notable preference for the Democrats. The gap is smaller than for Black or Asian respondents but still reinforces a consistent trend.
Respondents identifying as Native Hawai'ian or Other Pacific Islander show the narrowest difference between the two parties. They assign the Democratic Party a POLIS score of 2.49 and the Republican Party 2.41—a difference of only 0.08 points. This suggests a more evenly split ethical evaluation within this group, or perhaps a general skepticism toward both parties.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that the Democratic Party holds a consistent ethical credibility advantage across all major racial groups, with especially strong support among Black and Asian Americans. The Republican Party trails behind across the board, although the size of the gap varies, highlighting the critical role race plays in shaping how Americans evaluate the ethical values 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.