Views on what qualities elected representatives should embody vary among individuals. Some argue that legislators should fulfill the promises they made during their campaigns, while others believe they should adapt their viewpoints in response to opinion dynamics. This paper evaluates from the electorate’s perspective whether legislators should adhere to their commitments or shift their stances. To address this question, an online experimental design was employed, dividing the study into six experimental groups: three groups assessed voter evaluations when legislators maintained their positions, and the other three evaluated changes in legislators’ stances. Furthermore, this study delves into whether voters’ perceptions differ when legislators persist in their positions or alter them under various types of pressure, including those stemming from their political parties, national public opinion, or constituency opinion.
The experimental outcomes indicate that voters rate legislators who keep their promises higher than those who change their positions. Among the steadfast legislators, the evaluation varies depending on the nature of the conflict arising from their firm stance against different kinds of pressure. Legislators who stand firm against party conflicts receive the highest approval from participants, followed by those who resist national public opinion and lastly, those who resist constituency opinion.
Conversely, for legislators who change their positions, voter evaluations are inversely related; those who shift due to party pressure are rated lowest, followed by shifts due to national public opinion. Voters are most accepting of changes made in response to constituency opinion.

Public safety depends on a strong rule of law, efficient governance, and a capable military. Without these elements, trust erodes, and economic growth suffers. Despite its critical role in national security, research on political trust in the military, especially in democracies like Taiwan, is limited. Taiwan faces a unique security challenge from China, making trust in its military indispensable for deterrence and domestic stability. The 2022 Chinese military drills intensified tensions, underscoring the need for robust public trust to support defense policies and maintain civilian control over the military. This study explores the factors influencing public trust in the Taiwanese military in light of these recent developments. Statistical evidence suggests that four key factors play a role: public safety, the China threat, government trust, and democratic governance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for formulating policies that bolster national security and public confidence in the military.