A Political Tract

Abstract

In this chapter Joseph Smith and his scribe William W. Phelps draft a political pamphlet that will serve as the platform for Smith’s campaign. This chapter looks at the national relevance of each plank of that platform, as well as the personal relevance of each to Smith. His policy positions include the end of slavery through the federal purchase of slaves from their enslavers, the re-establishment of a national bank to stabilize the economy, and criminal justice reform through the closing of the country’s penitentiaries. Smith also addresses the pressing issues of national expansion, particularly where debates over the annexation of Texas and the disputed claims of the Oregon Country are concerned. But most prominently, Smith calls for the empowerment of the federal government to ensure the protection of religious minorities in individual states.