Final answer:
State and religion hold the most power in systems where they are closely integrated, such as in Iran or instances where religious beliefs are interwoven with nationalism, like in North Korea. Religious institutions may influence political decisions directly or benefit from state-favored status, showing varying degrees of entanglement between governmental and religious affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In systems of government where state and religion are intertwined, each exercises significant power over society. In countries like Iran, the religious institution is essentially conjoined with the state, with religious leaders heading the political structure. By comparison, in nations with a separation of religion and state, such as the United States, religious institutions may still receive benefits like tax exemptions or military exemptions, reflecting a degree of political influence and recognition.
The extent to which a state-church is involved in national institutions can vary greatly. For instance, the Church of England plays a significant historical and cultural role in the United Kingdom, whereas in Saudi Arabia, Islamic law is not only integral but also enforces restriction on the public display of other religions.
Political systems and state religions can be used as instruments of control. In cases like North Korea’s policy of juche, political worship and reverence to the state leader and the political structure take on religious characteristics, reflecting an extreme intersection of governmental and quasi-religious power.