Paul J. Cornish is an associate professor of political science at Grand Valley State University. He has presented research on medieval and early modern political thought at statewide, regional, national and international conferences. He has written many articles, such as “Augustine’s Contribution to the Republican Tradition.” His research focuses on republican or constitutional government in the writings of Cicero, Saint Augustine and John Adams.

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John Adams

John Adams, who served as the first vice president and second President of the United States, also supported First Amendment principles through his political writings and thought.

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States, a legislator, and an attorney. He argued against the "gag rule" in Congress that tabled petitions about slavery.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

The Northwest Ordinance primarily created the Northwest Territory in 1789 and presaged several provisions of the Constitution and the First Amendment.

Quebec Act of 1774 (1774)

The Quebec Act of 1774, in which the British Parliament provided for religious freedom to its Canadian province, was a progenitor of religious freedoms in the First Amendment