• The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
• The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
• The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all, and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.
• The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
• The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.

LWV, like the nation's government, is organized at three levels -- local, state and national.  Although each League functions independently, all subscribe to the same principles.  One of those principles is to make a thorough study of an issue and come to member consensus on positions before taking action. 

Local Leagues study and develop positions on local issues.  State Leagues do the same for state-wide issues.  At the national level, League members from the entire country develop the position statements. 

It is this tradition of study and consensus that sets the League apart from most other organizations.  People trust the League because they know that we study issues carefully before taking action.

The League is also a grassroots organization.  In practice, this means that, instead of the national leadership setting the year's agenda, League members engage in discussion and determine where and how the organization's energy and resources will be focused in the coming year.  A process of giving "Directions to the Board" is part of the annual meeting at all levels.