Respond to two (2) of the following prompts:

1. Karl Marx studied the social impact of religion and believed religion reflects the material base, which is comprised of the means and modes of production and the relations of production. Marx argued that religion maintains inequality and perpetuates the status quo. Is Marx's argument that religion maintains inequality and perpetuates the status quo true? Present an example that supports your assessment of Marx's argument. (USLO 9.4)
2. Emile Durkheim argued that religion promotes social cohesion, and social control, as well as offering meaning and purpose to human life. Is Durkheim's argument true? Present an example that supports your assessment of Durkheim's argument. (USLO 9.4)
3. What is required of a society for its political structure to be considered democratic? While this question might seem straightforward, it is not and is a topic of contentious debate in current political philosophy circles. The Democracy Index lists 60 different indicators that must be considered when discerning whether a nation is a democracy. While you in no way will be expected to discuss all indicators, please talk about a few of the conditions that must exist for a government to qualify as a democracy. Include textual evidence to support your view. (USLO 9.1, 9.2)
4. In recent years in the United States, citizens have increasingly made claims that our judicial system is institutionally racist. Evidence provided for these claims has pointed toward unfair drug sentencing laws, stop and frisk policies, the use of police force, and the overwhelming number of black men in prisons and jails in comparison to the rest of the population. Select one claim and discuss whether these claims have merit, presenting specific examples to support your position. Include textual evidence to support your view. (USLO 9.3)