Discuss the role of religion in two indigenous societies or cultures in pre-Columbian Americas.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the role of religion in two indigenous societies or cultures in pre-Columbian Americas. Candidates may offer equal coverage of each chosen society or culture, or they may prioritize their discussion of the role of religion in one. However, both societies or cultures will be a feature of the response. Candidates may argue that socially, religious beliefs were significant as they established codes of behaviour and legitimized social roles. Furthermore, they may discuss religion’s political role in legitimizing rulers’ power; or the role of religious practices such as human sacrifice as foreign policy tools, as they helped to enforce control over newly conquered populations. Further discussion on the role of religion may cover its economic role in enhancing productivity, as dictating the times and ways of cultivation; or in legitimizing uneven distribution of wealth. Candidates' opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The role of religion in indigenous societies was rarely addressed.