KnoWhy #301 - How Did King Benjamin’s Speech Lead To Nephite Democracy? (Mosiah 29:32)

The end of the book of Mosiah introduces a new age in Nephite society in which their traditional political system is changed from a monarchy to a system of judges that gave the “voice of the people” greater influence in the political process. The roots of this political transformation can be seen in the words and actions of Mosiah’s father, King Benjamin. Benjamin’s famous speech at the coronation of his son, some thirty years earlier, was full of political innovations that served to “democratize” Nephite society. These new developments made rituals, covenants, and privileges that were traditionally reserved for kings available to the people in general.