 The aim of Calvin 's political theory was to safeguard the rights and freedoms of ordinary people . Although he was convinced that the Bible contained no blueprint for a certain form of government , Calvin favored a combination of democracy and aristocracy ( mixed government ) . He appreciated the advantages of democracy . To further minimize the misuse of political power , Calvin proposed to divide it among several political institutions like the aristocracy , lower estates , or magistrates in a system of checks and balances ( separation of powers ) . Finally , Calvin taught that if rulers rise up against God they lose their divine right and must be put down . State and church are separate , though they have to cooperate to the benefit of the people . Christian magistrates have to make sure that the church can fulfill its duties in freedom . In extreme cases the magistrates have to expel or execute dangerous heretics . But nobody can be forced to become a Protestant . 
