Calvinism and the Roots of Federalism
John Calvin established a strict Protestant society in Geneva based on Predestination, the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved, as covered in Pengi Social Studies Grade 7, Chapter 9: The Renaissance and Reformation. Calvinist churches were governed by elected elders rather than appointed bishops, and this concept of self-governing congregations spread to Scotland, England, and eventually America, where it influenced the development of federalism.
Key Concepts
The Reformation splintered into many groups. In Geneva, John Calvin established a strict society based on Predestination —the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved ("the Elect"). Despite its strictness, Calvinism had a unique structure.
Calvinist churches were governed by groups of elders elected by the congregation, rather than by a hierarchy of bishops appointed from above. This idea of Self Governing Congregations spread to Scotland (Presbyterians) and England (Puritans). Later, Puritans brought this concept to America, where it influenced the development of Federalism —a system where power is shared and leaders are chosen by the people.
Common Questions
Who was John Calvin?
John Calvin was a Protestant reformer who established a strict Calvinist society in Geneva based on the doctrine of Predestination, the belief that God has already determined who will be saved.
What is Predestination?
Predestination is the Calvinist doctrine that God has already chosen who will be saved (the Elect) before they are born, meaning human actions cannot earn or lose salvation.
How did Calvinism influence democracy?
Calvinist churches were governed by groups of elders elected by the congregation rather than appointed from above, introducing the concept of self-governance that influenced democratic institutions.
How did Calvinism reach America?
Calvinist ideas spread through Scottish Presbyterians and English Puritans, with Puritans bringing self-governing congregation concepts to America where they influenced the development of federalism.
What is federalism?
Federalism is a political system where power is shared between central and regional governments, with leaders chosen by the people; Calvinist self-governing church models contributed to this concept in American democracy.