Final answer:
The Sicilian Mafia started as a secret organization to protect local interests against invaders and evolved into an informal governing force in Sicily as direct threats diminished, fulfilling roles in absence of effective government control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Sicilian Mafia began as a secret sect in Sicily that fought invaders is true. Initially, it emerged as a means to protect local interests and enforce order due to a weak central authority during the chaotic times of the 19th century. However, as the threats to Sicily subsided, the Mafia evolved into more than just a secret society; it became an informal governing force in the region, particularly from the 1880s. Their influence was intertwined with politics, business, and everyday life in Southern Italy, often through a mix of intimidation, economic control, and corrupt relationships with the official government.
The rise of the Mafia can be seen in the context of the larger history of Sicily, which included the Norman invasion, the church-state conflict, and various regimes that attempted to establish control over the island. The Mafia filled power vacuums where the official state governance was either absent or ineffective.