The United States of America is an experiment in limited government. It was founded through the inspiration of God, who took credit for the Constitution. As explained in revelation, the Lord stated plainly about the “constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles, that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity according to the moral agency which I have given unto them, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another, and for this purpose have I established the constitution of this land by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” T&C 101:17
We have elected unwise men (and women) to office who do not uphold the Constitution. Therefore we are presently in a post-Constitutional era. But the system allows a return to limited government by electing people to office who will respect the limits of the offices they occupy. As explained in another revelation: “concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatever I command them, and that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting the principles of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges belonging to all mankind, is justifiable before me; therefore, I, the Lord, justify you and your brethren of my church in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land. And as pertaining to law of man, whatever is more or less than this comes of evil. I, the Lord your God, make you free; therefore, you are free indeed, and the law also makes you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule, the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men you should observe to uphold; otherwise, whatever is less than these comes of evil.” T&C 98:2
The United States is a country that can avoid violent uprisings and repeated civil wars by changing elected officials at the ballot box. This is an election year. When you decide whether or not to vote, remember that the right to vote is the right to choose how you will be governed.
If you want your rights respected, then vote for those who will maintain the rights and privileges belonging to all mankind. Those in office today are not only disrespectful of individual freedoms, but they are also unwise in their decision-making. That is true of both political parties.
Aspiring men crave control over others. We have trusted aspiring men all too often with elected offices, and they have abused our trust. When you vote, choose wisely.