Let us pause for a moment and remind ourselves that the Nephites were using a dating system based on the years of the judges which began in 91 B.C. However, the Book of Mormon history is anticipating the coming of Christ so whenever Mormon gives a date according to the year of the judges we state it in our commentary according to the year B.C.or the number of years before the coming of Christ. Keeping this in mind will be helpful as we proceed with our narration.
With the launching of a new era and a new administration in 52 B.C.or the fortieth year of the reign of the judges, it might have been hoped that there would be a time of refreshing and a time of contentment for the Nephites. But such was not to be the case.
Under the constitution of Mosiah these contentions were settled by letting the people express their desires in a public election.