The Constitutional Principle: Separation of Church and State 

Sources for Ranking Founders

The following sources were used to rank the importance of each founder:

• David Barton, Original Intent, Appendix C: Biographical Sketches, pp. 363-430.
   
• Owen C. Ireland, Religion, Ethnicity and Politics, Ratifying the Constitution in Pennsylvania.
   

• Patrick T. Conley and John P. Kaminski, The Constitution and The States, The Role of the Original Thirteen in the Framing and Adoption of the Federal Constitution.
   
• Jonathan Elliot, The Debates of the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Conventions, Together with the Journal Of the Federal Convention, vols 1-5
   .
• John P. Kaminski and Gaspare J. Saladino, The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution, vols. 1-4.
   
• Relevant sections of The Annals of Congress dealing with the debate on amendments to the Constitution.
   
• Various other books and works covering the time period of 1774 to 1820 in general (far too numerous to mention, but Jim can answer relevant questions if you e-mail him).