Principles of Ethical Government: Maximize Participation and Equitable Access

Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (2)(a) states:

(a) Political structures and electoral systems should be designed to maximize participation of and provide equitable access to all citizens in a society (see Mosiah 29:32).

The Book of Mormon instructs us to “do your business by the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:26). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also works this principle into its governance, stating that “all things shall be done by common consent in the church” (D&C 26:2). America, the world’s oldest democratic republic, was likewise founded on this very principle.

As citizens of such a democratic republic, we hold fast to our goals to 1) create a democracy that is responsible to all citizens and 2) to maximize citizen participation in the electoral process by identifying and abolishing obstacles to equitable access in that process.

This document outlines methods and resources to accomplish these goals. It also includes thought questions, ways to take action, and ideas for teaching these principles to children.

Read the individual pages by clicking on the images below, or download the entire five-page document here (or by clicking on any image below).