In Nephi’s new community, they desired a king. In Alma’s new community, they also desire a king. Nephi declared that he did not desire to be a king, and Alma similarly declares that he does not want to be a king.
There is a difference, however. Nephi did become a king and established the tradition of kingship among the Nephites. Alma teaches that his people do not need a king. The next several verses explain why he believes that kings are not necessary. This is an important section for Book of Mormon history because before the end of the book of Mosiah, we will see these ideas again coming from Mosiah’s mouth as he changes the Nephites from the reign of kings to the reign of judges.