Learn why the United States Constitution matters to Latter-day Saints and how constitutional freedoms helped prepare the way for the Restoration.

This article is one in a series about principles of freedom and religious liberty. It is based on principles from the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Read other articles in the series #America250

The United States Constitution matters to Latter-day Saints for both spiritual and practical reasons. It helped create the conditions that allowed the Restoration of the gospel to occur. It also protects freedoms that are essential to moral agency, religious worship, family life, and the spread of truth.

Latter-day Saints believe the Constitution was inspired by God. The Lord declared, “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose…” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:80)

Religious Freedom Helped Prepare the Way

Before the American founding, many governments tightly controlled religion. In some nations, citizens could be punished for worshipping differently from the state-approved church. Religious minorities often faced persecution, imprisonment, or violence.

The Constitution introduced a different idea. The First Amendment protected religious liberty by preventing the government from establishing a national religion and by protecting the free exercise of faith. That freedom became critically important during the Restoration.

Joseph Smith could pray openly, report his visions, organize the Church, publish the Book of Mormon, and preach restored doctrine because constitutional protections existed in America. Without religious liberty, the Restoration would have faced far greater barriers.

President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The United States Constitution is unique because God revealed that He ‘established’ it ‘for the rights and protection of all flesh’ (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77; see also verse 80).” (“Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, April 2021 General Conference)

The Constitution Protects Agency

Agency is central to Heavenly Father’s plan. People must be free to make choices, seek truth, and act according to conscience.

The Book of Mormon teaches, “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh… they are free to choose liberty and eternal life.” (2 Nephi 2:27) The Constitution helps preserve that freedom by protecting speech, religion, assembly, property, and due process under the law.

The founders of America believed that rights come from God, not from government. That principle closely aligns with restored gospel teachings about divine worth and moral responsibility. The Constitution does not guarantee righteousness, but it protects the freedom necessary for people to seek truth voluntarily.

Inspired Principles

Latter-day Saints do not believe the founders were perfect. Like all people, they had weaknesses and disagreements. But members of the Church recognize inspired principles within the Constitution itself.

Those principles include:

• Limited government
• Separation of powers
• Checks and balances
• Rule of law
• Protection of individual rights
• Consent of the governed

These ideas help prevent concentrated power and preserve liberty.

Freedom Helps the Gospel Spread

Constitutional freedoms continue to bless the Church today. Missionaries preach openly in many nations because ideas about religious liberty spread throughout the world. Members gather for worship, publish gospel messages, build temples, and share beliefs publicly because freedom exists in many societies.

Where freedom weakens, religious expression often weakens as well. That is one reason Church leaders consistently encourage members to preserve religious liberty, participate responsibly in civic life, and respect constitutional principles.

President Oaks counseled, “We should be knowledgeable citizens who are active in making our influence felt in civic affairs.” (“Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution,” April 2021 General Conference)

What This Means for Us

Latter-day Saints can honor constitutional principles by:

• Learning about the founding documents
• Respecting the rights of others
• Participating thoughtfully in civic life
• Defending religious liberty
• Teaching correct principles in the home
• Using freedom responsibly

For Latter-day Saints, the Constitution is more than a historical document. It is part of the Lord’s preparation for the Restoration and part of His protection of moral agency.

Learn more:

• Articles about about religious freedom and moral agency.
• Read the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective.

How to access the book

• Read or download a free PDF.
• Purchase on Amazon as a paperback for only $8.95 or get as Kindle or audiobook free with your membership
• Purchase on Lulu as a paperback for only $8.95