Final answer:
John Calvin preferred a form of government known as a Bible commonwealth, where scripture was the sole source of authority and governance was based on religious principles derived from the Bible. This led to a theocratic governance structure in Geneva that enforced moral discipline according to Christian norms, influenced by Calvin's belief in predestination.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Calvin, a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, strongly influenced the form of government in the society where he led the religious movement. In Geneva, Calvin established what can be described as a Bible commonwealth, an ecclesiastic governance structure where the church held significant power and scripture was the ultimate authority. This commonwealth was a society organized around religious principles derived from the Bible, without the authority of a prince or monarch. Calvin's doctrine of predestination reinforced the notion that God, being omniscient and omnipotent, had already decided the fate of every human being, and this belief played a crucial role in the moral and societal structures of Calvinist communities.
Calvin's version of a theocratic government sought to merge civic and religious life, with secular authorities enforcing moral discipline according to religious norms. He believed that government should enforce and reflect Christian values as outlined in the Bible, and his influence extended beyond Geneva, as Calvinist thought spread to the Netherlands, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, shaping various forms of governance based on religious principles. Despite his emphasis on predestination, Calvinists endeavored to live morally rigorous lives as if they were among the elect, and established strict codes of conduct to signify their societal order.