POLIS Index USA for Political Parties
Highlights by Sexual Orientation
Ethical perceptions of political parties in the United States differ sharply by sexual orientation. Gay or bisexual respondents assign the Democratic Party a POLIS score of 3.16, compared to just 1.97 for the Republican Party—a striking gap of 1.19 points. This wide disparity indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals perceive the Democratic Party as far more aligned with ethical leadership values.
Straight respondents also favour the Democratic Party, though by a narrower margin. The Democratic Party receives a POLIS score of 2.89 among straight individuals, while the Republican Party is rated at 2.51. The gap of 0.38 points is still meaningful and suggests broader trust in the Democratic Party’s ethical alignment, even among heterosexual Americans.
The higher scores for the Democratic Party across both groups may reflect perceptions that the party better represents values like fairness, inclusion, and procedural justice—particularly for marginalized communities. Conversely, the Republican Party’s lower scores, especially among gay and bisexual respondents, suggest skepticism about its alignment with these democratic principles.
The particularly low score for the Republican Party from gay and bisexual respondents may reflect concerns about representation, rhetoric, or policy positions that impact LGBTQ+ communities. In contrast, the Democratic Party appears to be seen as more inclusive and empathetic, reinforcing ethical trust across sexual orientations.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a significant divide in ethical trust based on sexual orientation, with both gay/bisexual and straight Americans rating the Democratic Party as more ethically credible than the Republican Party. The magnitude of this difference is especially pronounced among LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the importance of values-based representation in shaping public trust.
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.