Examine how the relationship between religion and the state contributed to the expansion of two established states.

The question requires that candidates consider how the relationship between religion and the state contributed to the expansion of two established states. The two established states may or may not be from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two states, or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both states will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the coexistence of political and religious power in the same authority, for example the Incas. They may refer to the use of religion to consolidate political power, through the lack of religious tolerance or the granting of ecclesiastical privileges. In some cases, candidates may also argue that religion did not contribute to the expansion of the state, for example, the Qing dynasty. Candidates’ conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required candidates to consider how the relationship between religion and the state contributed to the expansion of two established states.