Joseph Smith's Political Engagements and Views on American Government

A look into the Mormon prophet's direct political actions and his evolving ideas about the American system.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from Mormon Appeals to Congress: Seeking Justice in 1839-1840

Quick take

Joseph Smith actively engaged with American politics, from petitioning to running for president.
His political views were shaped by the persecution and lack of redress experienced by Mormons.
He advocated for a strong federal government to protect minority rights and religious freedom.
Smith proposed specific reforms to the U.S. Constitution, including expanding presidential power and judicial review.

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, was not just a religious leader but also a significant political figure in 19th-century America. His political engagements ranged from direct appeals to government officials and presidential candidates to running for the U.S. presidency himself. His views on American government were deeply influenced by his community's experiences with religious persecution and their struggle for legal and social redress.

Early Petitions and Appeals for Redress

Following the expulsion of Latter-day Saints from Missouri in the late 1830s, Smith and other church leaders extensively petitioned state and federal governments for compensation and protection. They believed the government had a duty to protect its citizens, especially when states failed to uphold their constitutional rights. These appeals, often made directly to Congress and President Martin Van Buren, consistently met with rejection, fostering a growing disillusionment with the existing political system's ability to protect minority groups.

The 1844 Presidential Campaign

By 1844, frustrated by the lack of governmental response to their pleas for justice, Joseph Smith announced his own candidacy for the U.S. presidency. He ran on a platform called "General Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States." His campaign was less about winning the election and more about using the platform to publicize the Saints' grievances and advocate for specific governmental reforms. This move demonstrated his willingness to directly challenge the political status quo.

Key Reforms and Constitutional Views

Smith's political platform outlined several radical proposals for his time. He advocated for a significant expansion of federal power, particularly the presidency, believing a stronger executive could better protect individual and minority rights against state-level abuses. He also proposed reducing congressional salaries to curb corruption, abolishing slavery through compensated emancipation, and reforming the prison system. Crucially, he believed in the Constitution as an inspired document, but felt its existing mechanisms were insufficient to prevent tyranny or ensure justice for all citizens, especially in the face of mob violence and governmental neglect. He sought to empower the federal government to intervene directly when states failed to protect the rights of their inhabitants.

Joseph Smith's political engagements and views are significant for understanding the historical development of religious freedom in America and the challenges faced by minority groups in the 19th century. His experiences highlighted a tension between states' rights and federal responsibility to protect citizens. His proposals, though never enacted, reflect a profound concern for justice, governmental accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights, particularly for those on the margins. His advocacy continues to resonate in discussions about the balance of power, religious liberty, and the role of government in protecting all its citizens.

Did Joseph Smith actually expect to win the presidency?

Most historians agree that Smith's 1844 presidential campaign was primarily a protest and a platform to publicize his views and the plight of the Latter-day Saints, rather than a realistic bid for victory. He used it to advocate for reforms and draw attention to the issues of religious freedom and governmental responsibility.

What was the main reason for his disillusionment with the government?

The primary reason was the repeated failure of state and federal governments to provide redress or protection for the Latter-day Saints after they suffered property losses, violence, and expulsions in Missouri and other areas. Despite numerous petitions, they received no compensation or justice.

How did his political views align with or differ from mainstream American thought at the time?

While he shared some common American ideals like religious freedom (for all), his call for a stronger federal government and presidency, especially to intervene in state affairs, was quite radical for an era that generally favored states' rights and limited federal power. His specific proposals for judicial review and compensated emancipation were also ahead of their time.

Did his political activities continue after his death?

After Smith's assassination in 1844, the Latter-day Saints continued to engage politically, particularly in their efforts to establish a self-governing territory in the West (Utah) and later to integrate into the American political system, though often facing continued scrutiny and opposition.

Sources

Bushman, Richard Lyman. *Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling*. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Quinn, D. Michael. *The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power*. Signature Books, 1994.
Newell, Linda King and Valeen Tippetts Avery. *Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith*. University of Illinois Press, 1994.
"General Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States," (1844 pamphlet).