Book of Mormon Government

Reading about the various types of government in the Book of Mormon I've always wished that BYU offered a Poli Sci/Religion class that focuses mainly on the different types of government within the text--what works, what doesn't and why and why not. I always thought that the government set forth in the books of Alma and Helaman were closely related to the way the US government is run. I had been taught that the Founding Fathers had indeed received divine guidence while designing the American government. Upon a closer look however, we can see large discrepancies between the two different systems--one based on triumpth, defeating tyranny while the other views victories as being delivered by the Lord. In one, a chief judge is appointed for life--the other a president can serve for a maximum of 8 years. The only real similarities that I can see are that they are both run democratically as in the voice of the people elects who is to head up the government. Both can also be corrupted. Helaman 7:5, which reads which talks about "Condeming the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills," vividly reminds me of our own government. Do we not live in a society in which those with money can get away with almost anything? Where those in power commit a whole array of sin just because they can?

It is frightening how similar our situation is to that of the ancient Nephites. My Book of Mormon professor says that the reason why Mormon focused closely on the period of about 125 years is for us, that we may have a guide as to how one should behave and endure in situations as grave as that which was seen by the Lamanites before Christ's coming. Things will be at least as bad.

I will admit that the future scares me quite a bit. While I try to prepare myself, for the righteous need not fear, it is hard not to be afraid for those all around us who will not be prepared--our government could very well crumble and what would we be left with? How strong is America's sense of ideals? Honestly, I think they've been higher