John Calvin is probably the most important, influential thinker of the Protestant Reformation of the Christian church in Europe in the 16th century. Calvinist or Reformed churches appeared in Germany, the Netherlands, England (Puritans), Scotland, France (Huguenots), parts of Eastern Europe, and North America.

Calvinism especially characterized the churches of the United States of America (New England Puritans, Scots Presbyterians, Dutch Reformed, and many Baptists). Most founders of the U.S. Constitution were Calvinist Protestant Christians (for example, James Madison). The Calvinist theology of individualism, salvation by grace through faith, divine election, occupational calling and work ethic, and Republican church polity permeates American culture and society.

In his political thought, Calvin conceived of church and state as both under the authority of Christ. Both ecclesiastical and civil government are called to serve God, although in different capacities. The church teaches the people Christian truth and advises the government. If civil laws do not reflect the truth of God, they will not succeed. In Calvin's city of Geneva, Switzerland (where he ruled for 20 years), as well as in other Calvinist cities (Edinburgh, Scotland; Boston, Massachusetts), the Bible was the standard for public education and civil law. A Christian commonwealth rested on the strong cultural influence of the church as well as Christian magistrates.

For Calvin, the job of government or "magistracy" was as sacred a calling as the church ministry. State officials were accountable to God for their actions and carried an awesome responsibility for carrying out just laws and displaying an honest, virtuous life. Knowing that people in high positions of authority would be an example to the young, government rulers must be above reproach in duty and integrity. As God's servants, church ministers and civil magistrates deserve the honor and respect of the people. America Puritan John Winthrop reflected this understanding of the proper role of the Christian ruler.

In the medieval Europe of aristocracy and monarchy, Calvin's thought introduced republican principles of equality and elected government in both church and state. Instead of priests appointed by bishops, most Calvinist ministers were elected by church congregations and shared power with elders and deacons. Instead of hereditary princes, most Calvinist states elected their rulers for limited terms. Then, church and state were to cooperate in establishing and maintaining a Christian commonwealth. The civil state primarily punishes crime but also promotes Christian virtue by education, rewards, honors, and so on. The church primarily preaches the gospel of Christ but also punishes by excommunication of notorious, unrepentant sinners. With sinful, fallen human nature, no society will ever reach perfection, for Calvin, but the combined rule of Christian churches and Christian governors will produce the most healthy, moral society possible.

John Calvin's own life reflected his synthesis of religion and politics. He was a scholar, theologian, and political ruler. He governed the city of Geneva as chief magistrate with assistance from four ranks of officials: pastors, doctors, elders, and deacons. Additionally, a "consistory" of ministers and laypeople served as a tribunal of social morals. Geneva under Calvin became a city known for great piety, strict morals, cleanliness, order, and economic prosperity. His chief theological book, Institutes of the Christian Religion, has greatly influenced most Protestant Christian churches.

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