POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Region
Ethical evaluations of political parties in the United States show clear regional differences. Across all regions, the Democratic Party is rated more ethically trustworthy than the Republican Party. The highest POLIS score for the Democratic Party comes from the Northeast at 3.03, followed by the Midwest at 2.92, the West at 2.91, and the South at 2.89. These results suggest consistent, moderately high ethical trust in the Democratic Party nationwide.
The Republican Party’s ratings are lower in every region, but there is some variation. The South is the most favourable region for Republicans, giving them a POLIS score of 2.58—higher than in the Midwest (2.46), West (2.35), and Northeast (2.28). While still trailing behind the Democrats, this regional difference shows that the GOP’s ethical appeal is strongest in the South and weakest in the more liberal Northeast.
The gap between the parties is largest in the Northeast, where the Democratic Party leads by 0.75 points (3.03 vs. 2.28). This reflects the region’s long-standing political culture favouring progressive governance and transparency—values closely tied to ethical perceptions of leadership. In contrast, the gap is narrowest in the South, at just 0.30 points, where both parties receive their most favourable evaluations.
The West and Midwest fall in between, showing similar patterns to the national average. While the Democratic Party holds an advantage in each, the differences are smaller than in the Northeast, and the Republican Party still retains a moderate level of support, particularly in the Midwest.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that Americans’ ethical trust in political parties varies across regions, but with a consistent pattern: the Democratic Party is perceived as more ethically aligned than the Republican Party. The Northeast offers the strongest endorsement of Democratic values, while the South provides the most support for Republicans—highlighting how geography continues to shape ethical evaluations 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.