Final answer:
In response to religious discrimination, Catholics sought legal protection and formed secret societies, while also establishing themselves in influential positions over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the face of religious discrimination, some Catholics chose to respond by seeking legal protection. This included pushing for legislation that would safeguard their right to worship freely and protect them from the various injustices they faced, such as not being able to sit in Parliament, not being able to worship freely, not being allowed to marry within their faith, and being barred from bearing arms.
Additionally, Catholic immigrants, particularly the Irish, responded to discrimination by establishing themselves in roles of influence, such as in politics, business, and law enforcement. However, at times, Catholics also formed secret societies to maintain their religious practices and provide mutual support against a hostile society. Overall, the historical experiences of religious minorities like Catholics show that pursuing liberty from tyrannical governments and seeking racial equality are ongoing challenges that can lead to a variety of responses.