“Whereas in all bodies Laws are necessary for the permanancy, safety, and well being of society, we the members of the society of the Daughter of Zion do agree to regulate ourselves under such laws as in righteousness shall be deemed necessary for the preservation of our holy religion and of our most sacred rights, and the rights of our wives and children.” — Constitution for the Society of the Daughter of Zion¹

In late June 1838, the Society of the Daughter of Zion (also known as the "Danites") was formally organized, and a constitution was created to outline its structure and procedures. This constitution, allegedly approved by Joseph Smith, became public in November 1838 when Sampson Avard, a disaffected Latter-day Saint, testified at a hearing regarding charges against Joseph and others. Avard claimed that the constitution aimed to establish an organization under Smith’s leadership to bring forth the Millennial Kingdom, defend their rights, and resist oppression. Despite Avard's testimony, there is no other direct evidence linking Joseph Smith to the constitution's approval. The document outlined a structure similar to other American voluntary organizations, emphasizing self-preservation, resistance to tyranny, and representative democracy.²

1. Constitution of the Society of the Daughter of Zion, circa Late June 1838, josephsmithpapers.org

2. Constitution of the Society of the Daughter of Zion, circa Late June 1838, Historical Introduction, josephsmithpapers.org (courtesy of Eugene Morrow Violette Collection, State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia, Boone Co., Missouri)