This is an account of the ideas about and public policies relating to the relationship between government and religion from the settlement of Virginia in 1607 to the presidency of Andrew Jackson, 1829-37. Hutson examines the four principles of government's approach to religion and the relevance of the concept of the separation of church and state during that period.

Hutson examines ideas and public policies relating to the relationship between government and religion from 1607 to 1837.