D&C 134

As members of the Church -

"WE believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 134:1)

With the conditions -

"...that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 134:2)

President David O. Mckay said -

"That government is best which has as its aim the administration of justice, social well-being and the promotion of prosperity among its members." (in Conference Report, Apr. 1930, p. 80)

And that -

"The individual . . . has three great rights, equally sacred from arbitrary interference: the right to his life, the right to his liberty, and the right to his property. The three rights are so bound together as to be essentially one right. To give a man his life, but deny him his liberty, is to take from him all that makes life worth living. To give him liberty, but take from him the property which is the fruit and badge of his liberty, is to still leave him a slave." (From George Sutherland’s speech before the New York State Bar Association, January 21, 1921.)” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1962, p. 6.)

There are many forms of governments established by man. I believe the constitution of the United States is the most inspired version of all the governments of the men and the closer any government is in compliance to these concepts principles, the greater the prosperity of that nation.

We also -

"...believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 134:11)

(See my blog on Section 98 regarding the laws of retaliation, wars, and forgiveness.)