POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Religion
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States vary substantially across religious affiliations. Among agnostic and atheist respondents, the Democratic Party receives the highest POLIS scores—3.09 and 3.23 respectively—compared to just 1.95 and 1.97 for the Republican Party. This stark contrast of more than 1.3 points in both cases highlights a deep ethical divide between secular Americans and their evaluation of the two major parties.
Religious respondents—those identifying with a faith—reverse this trend. They assign the Republican Party a POLIS score of 2.90, slightly higher than the Democratic Party’s 2.75. While the difference is smaller than in secular groups, it signals that religious Americans perceive the Republican Party as slightly more ethically aligned with values they hold important.
Respondents identifying with “Other” religious beliefs provide moderate evaluations of both parties. They give the Democratic Party a POLIS score of 2.79 and the Republican Party 2.31. Though the gap is less extreme than among atheists or religious respondents, the Democratic Party is still viewed more favourably overall.
The Democratic Party performs strongest among secular individuals, especially atheists and agnostics, which may reflect greater resonance with values like inclusivity, fairness, and procedural integrity. In contrast, the Republican Party’s ethical strength is anchored among religious Americans, who may prioritize values such as authority, tradition, and institutional responsibility.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a clear ethical divide shaped by religious identity. Secular Americans view the Democratic Party as far more ethically credible, while religious respondents place slightly more trust in the Republican Party—illustrating how moral worldviews influence ethical trust in 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.