Kay P. Edwards, professor of family science at Brigham Young University, describes the most common reading of this verse: “King Mosiah proposed to his people the idea that their welfare might be better assured by making a major change in their government structure—from a kingship to a form of democracy. He suggested that this new governmental system be implemented by placing judges chosen by the people at the head of the government.”
It is very tempting to equate this passage with an endorsement of democracy, as Edwards does. Without question the principle applies to democratic societies, but this is not the best explanation for what was happening in Mosiah’s kingdom. For Mosiah, the contrast will be between a king supported by God and judges supported by the people. (See “Excursus: The Voice of the People,” following this chapter.)