KnoWhy #380 - What is the Purpose of Democracy in the Book of Mormon? (Mosiah 29:27)

The Book of Mormon reminds us that democracies allow societies as a whole to be held accountable for their sins. In the ancient world, most people assumed that the king was either semi-divine or, at least, a son of God. Because of this divine status, most of a king’s subjects would likely have been understandably nervous about disobeying him. This explains why, in some parts of the ancient world, the king bore the responsibility for the people’s sins. The judgeship, on the other hand, would leave the people without excuse. If they became wicked, they would be held accountable, and not the king.