“The political organization of religious orders was more successful than their economic organization.” Discuss with reference to one religious order in the Americas.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that religious orders were more successful at their political organization than at their economic organization. Candidates may offer equal coverage of political and economic organization, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the political and economic relationship of religious orders with indigenous groups and with European settlers. They may also discuss the extent to which the orders achieved political and economic autonomy. While other relevant factors, such as the expulsion of the Jesuits, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.